Accountability
Upholding Accountability, Safety and Respect
At Lincoln University of Missouri, fraternity and sorority life is built on a foundation of accountability, transparency and integrity. Our community is united by shared values that promote safe, respectful and enriching environments where students are empowered to grow as scholars, leaders and responsible citizens.
Hazing Has No Place at Lincoln University
Lincoln University is unequivocally committed to maintaining a campus culture rooted in dignity, inclusion and mutual respect. Hazing—in any form—is strictly prohibited. It violates university policy, Missouri state law, federal law and national fraternity and sorority regulations. We take every report of hazing seriously to ensure the safety, well-being and trust of all students involved in our campus community.
Understanding Hazing: Definition and Examples
Under federal law, hazing is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons—regardless of that person’s willingness to participate—that occurs during an initiation into, affiliation with or the maintenance of membership in an organization, and causes or creates a risk beyond reasonable expectations of college participation of physical or psychological injury.
- Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking or placing harmful substances on a person's body.
- Inducing or coercing sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, extreme confinement or excessive physical activity.
- Forcing or coercing the consumption of food, alcohol, drugs or other substances.
- Coercing or inducing another person to perform sexual acts.
- Threatening or intimidating behavior that causes reasonable fear of bodily harm.
- Any activity that constitutes a violation of local, state, tribal or federal law.
Important: Consent is not a defense. Even if someone agrees to participate, the activity may still constitute hazing.
Hazing is prohibited in all forms, regardless of whether it takes place on or off campus. This includes:
- Engaging in, promoting, encouraging, enabling or failing to report hazing.
This policy applies to:
- All students, whether acting alone or in groups.
- Student organizations, clubs, teams or groups, regardless of official university recognition.
- Faculty, staff and administrators who may be aware of or involved in hazing behaviors.