Harvard College Adopts First Standalone Undergraduate-Specific Hazing Policy

Harvard College adopted its first undergraduate-specific hazing policy as part of the student handbook ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, detailing prohibited conduct that applies to all College students and activities.

The policy, which was adopted after the Faculty of Arts and Sciences voted in May to approve several changes to the student handbook, applies to all Harvard College students and any other activities associated with recognized or unrecognized student organizations — including off campus and virtual programming, athletic teams, social clubs, and House- or Yard-based activities.

Several restrictions largely mirror Massachusetts law and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, prohibiting conduct that risks physical or psychological injury, sleep deprivation, and forced consumption of alcohol or other substances.

Other points, however, appear to go beyond the legal requirements and indirectly reference practices historically used by some Harvard College organizations as part of various initiation practices.

The policy bars practices requiring students to carry items “that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier,” including shields, paddles, bricks, or hammers. It also prohibits activities that are “likely to negatively impact academic performance or mental health” or mislead members into believing that continued participation in a group is contingent on complying

Other provisions are broader, restricting conduct that would “compromise an individual’s dignity,” “cause embarrassment or shame,” or violate any law or College-policy — including theft.

The policy also states that students may be held responsible for participating in hazing “actively or passively,” including by facilitating hazing through their presence or silence.

“The University-wide policy was always clear about individual schools adopting specific language that best fits their unique communities,” College spokesperson Jonathan Palumbo wrote in a statement. “Policy language was added that best reflects the needs of the College.”

Past editions of the student handbook referenced Massachusetts anti-hazing law and federal requirements but did not include a separate College-specific policy. The new section was added to this year’s handbook.

The policy’s adoption comes after Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership Andrew Donahue said in February the College has seen an uptick in reports of potential hazing — though he said the increase reflected greater awareness of reporting mechanisms rather than definitive growth in misconduct.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, only one student organization — the Harvard Independent — was found responsible for hazing. The publication received a warning after new members were lined up, pelted with eggs, and covered in honey during an April 2025 incident. No student organizations were found responsible for hazing during the 2025-26 academic year.

According to its text, the College-specific policy supplements rather than replaces University policies or Massachusetts law. Possible sanctions include requiring students to withdraw from the College, suspending recognition of student organizations, and referring alleged violations to law enforcement.

“Where policies or law differ, the College will apply the standard that affords the greatest protection to students and the community,” the policy reads.

FAS also approved a slew of other changes to the student handbook as part of its May vote.

The handbook previously required students to receive permission from the Dean of Students’s Office to distribute printed materials. The updated policy allows recognized student organizations to freely distribute materials to dorm mailboxes. Solicitation must also comply with College policies governing trademarks.

Harvard College installed mailboxes on dormitory doors in spring 2025 after The Harvard Salient, a conservative student publication, complained that its door-to-door distribution was restricted. Nearly 300 students later protested the decision, writing to then-College Dean Rakesh Khurana arguing that they should be able to refuse delivery of publications.

Other changes govern specific aspects of students’ academic and social life. Harvard-Yale, Housing Day Eve, and Housing Day were added to a list of “significant event times” when late-night social events face additional restrictions.

Entrepreneurship courses were added to a list of classes that do not count toward divisional distribution requirements, though the handbook directs students to the course catalog for up-to-date information. Students also cannot clear academic probation through courses taken while studying abroad.

The handbook additionally specifies students must ensure compliance with University policies regarding data privacy, academic integrity, and copyright when utilizing private services, including generative AI and cloud storage tools.

—Staff writers Amann S. Mahajan and Abigail S. Gerstein contributed reporting.

—Staff writer Uy B. Pham can be reached at [email protected] or on Signal at ubp.88. Follow him on X @uybpham.