California Anti-Hazing Laws
Matt’s Law, California Penal Code 245.6, is a California law that allows for felony prosecutions when serious injuries or deaths result from hazing rites. The bill increases the severity of charges for some hazing rituals, from misdemeanors to felonies, and for the first time gives prosecutors the ability to seek hazing charges against non students. Matt’s Law was named in memory of Matt Carrington, a 21-year-old California State University, Chico student from Concord, California. Carrington died in the basement of a fraternity house located two short blocks from campus.
Prior to the enactment of Matt’s Law, hazing — even in the case of death — was only a misdemeanor, as part of California’s education code, rather than punishable under the state’s penal code. Matt’s law prevents unaffiliated fraternities from using the argument that they cannot be punished for hazing, simply because they are not student organizations. The law also gives prosecutors clear authority to bring charges against anyone or any organization involved in hazing, not just currently enrolled students.
Campus and Systemwide Policies
University of California system-wide policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Clery Act Policy – Campus Safety Reporting
PACAOS 100.00 Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline
UCSC Student Handbook 100.00: Student Conduct and Community Agreements