Purpose
To prevent hazing and ensure a safe and respectful campus environment, in alignment with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, Tennessee’s Tyler Head Law, and institutional values.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and affiliated organizations at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia.
Definition
Hazing is any act committed as part of an initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in a group or organization that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual;
- Humiliates, intimidates, demeans, or causes psychological harm;
- Coerces participation in activities regardless of an individual’s willingness;
- Violates institutional rules or state/federal laws.
Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs;
- Physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, branding);
- Sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme weather, or forced physical activity;
- Threats or intimidation;
- Performing illegal or unethical tasks.
Consent is not a defense under this policy.
Reporting Hazing
All members of the campus community are encouraged—and employees are required—to report suspected hazing. All crimes, including hazing, should be reported to an MTSA Campus Security Authority.
CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITIES:
Chris Hulin, President 615-732-7841, 615-732-7676 Chris.hulin@mtsa.edu,
Alescia Bethea, Executive Vice President 615-732-7862 Alescia.bethea@mtsa.edu
Jon Ronning, Vice President 615-732-7672 Jon.ronning@mtsa.edu
In Person: Executive Administration Suite, PT Magan Hall Building
In emergencies, call 911 or the Administrator on Call (AOC) at (615)912-0139.
Investigation & Consequences
All reports are investigated promptly and impartially by the Office of Executive Administration in coordination with the Title IX Coordinator, if applicable. At a minimum, an investigation will include an assessment of the report, determination as to whether any interim measures are needed, fact gathering by a neutral investigator that may include interviews of parties and witnesses and gathering any physical, digital, or other evidence, and a written rationale as to whether the information gathered makes it more likely than not that the hazing policy has been violated. Students and/or organizations found responsible for violating this policy will be issued sanctions which may range from a warning and educational requirements up to expulsion from MTSA or loss of recognition for the organization or group.
Investigations will:
- Protect the confidentiality of reporters when possible;
- Provide due process to the alleged individuals or organizations;
- Ensure support services for affected parties.
Reports involving criminal conduct may also be referred to law enforcement.
Retaliation
It is a violation of this policy to retaliate toward any person for reporting an alleged violation of this policy or for cooperating with a institutional investigation related to this policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or implied threats, physical or psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment (verbal or written), isolation, or any other action intended to create a hostile environment for the intended target of the retaliation.
Education & Transparency
Annual hazing prevention training is required for students, staff, and organization leaders. All hazing violations and sanctions are published twice yearly on the school's website and in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect legal and institutional changes.