The Daily Bulletin

Dear Fraternity and Sorority Life Members and Supporters,

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and well-being, Buffalo State University is implementing the new Stop Campus Hazing Act, a federal law that enhances transparency, accountability, and prevention efforts related to hazing on college campuses.

What Is Hazing?

Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing is defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one or more persons—regardless of a person’s willingness to participate—that occurs as part of initiation, affiliation, or ongoing membership in a student organization, and that creates a risk of or causes physical or psychological harm.

Some examples of hazing include:

• Physical acts such as striking, beating, or applying harmful substances
• Coercing sleep deprivation, extreme physical activity, or exposure to the elements
• Forcing consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Inducing others to engage in sexual acts or criminal behavior
• Threatening words or actions that cause fear of bodily harm

New Federal Requirements (Effective July 1, 2025)

All higher education institutions must:

• Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report twice a year, listing any student organization found responsible for hazing. This is now available and can be found on the Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE) website, under the Greek Life tab. This will be updated every semester.
• Maintain publicly available reports of hazing incidents for five years. This is located on the SLE website under the Greek Life tab titled "Campus Hazing Transparency Report."
• Maintain and enforce clear hazing policies, including defined reporting and investigation processes.
• Provide prevention and awareness programs for students, staff, and faculty.

Buffalo State’s Commitment & Policies

Buffalo State already has strong policies and prevention measures in place. These include:

• Greek Life Policy Manual – Outlining expectations, reporting, and consequences related to hazing. (Section 5. Allegations of Misconduct)
• Mandatory Greek Interest Meeting - All potential new members of Greek Organizations are required to attend a Greek Interest Meeting. This meeting covers eligibility and information about hazing (laws, how to report, and definitions).
• Recruitment & New Member Education Protocols – Ensuring a safe and positive experience for new members.
• Greek Achievement Program (GAP) – Supporting organizations in fostering leadership and ethical behavior. 

Prevention & Awareness Programs

We remain dedicated to hazing prevention education through:

• National Hazing Prevention Week – Workshops and discussions promoting anti-hazing culture.
• Greek Member Development Day – Mandatory for all students who are a part of a fraternity or a sorority. This training teaches students how to recognize and prevent hazing.
• New Member Training – Mandatory for all students newly initiated into a fraternity or sorority. This training covers what hazing is, bystander intervention, and how to report hazing.

How to Report Hazing

If you witness or experience hazing, please report it immediately:

• Online Report
• University Police Department (UPD): (716) 878-6333 
• Student Leadership and Engagement Office: (716) 878-4631; sle@buffalostate.edu; Campbell Student Union Suite 400

Buffalo State University remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus for all students. We appreciate your support in upholding these policies and ensuring that our campus remains a hazing-free community.

For any questions, please reach out to the Student Leadership & Engagement Office at sle@buffalostate.edu.