Anti-Hazing, Equity, Civil Rights & Title IX
Hazing Policy
Bryan College of Health Sciences is committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment for all students, campus employees, and visitors. Consistent with state and federal laws, hazing is prohibited at Bryan College of Health Sciences.
What is Hazing?
At Bryan College of Health Sciences, we believe everyone should feel safe, respected, and included. Hazing is not allowed here—period. Hazing means doing anything that hurts, embarrasses, or forces someone to do something they don't want to do as part of joining a group, regardless of willingness to participate. This includes both physical and emotional harm.
The Stop Hazing Act defines hazing as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that--
(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.
Consent is not a defense
Nebraska State Law states that “notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, consent shall not be a defense” (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.07). This means that even if someone was ok with an activity, that doesn’t mean the activity wasn’t hazing.
This includes things like:
- Physical harm: Forcing someone to exercise, hurt themselves, or do something dangerous.
- Mental/emotional harm: Making someone feel humiliated, scared, or bullied.
- Forcing substances: Making someone drink alcohol, take drugs, or eat things against their will.
- Degrading acts: Making someone do something embarrassing, humiliating, or harmful to their self-esteem.
Why This is Important
We have this policy to make sure our campus stays a safe, supportive place for everyone. Hazing is also illegal in the State of Nebraska and is considered a Class II misdemeanor in Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.06) . In addition to criminal charges through the state, individuals and organizations can be held responsible by the College through the Student Code of Conduct. Hazing is harmful, and we take it seriously. This policy also follows federal guidelines, which aims to make sure campuses across the country are free from hazing, harassment, and violence.
Definition of a Student Organization
A student organization is defined as an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
What You Can Do If You See or Experience Hazing
If you see or experience hazing, we encourage you to speak up—you’re not alone, and your voice matters. Any individual who believes they have been the victim of hazing, or anyone who has knowledge or observes conduct that may constitute hazing, is required to report it immediately. Hazing can be reported via telephone, email, or to a Campus Security officer. You can report hazing:
-
- East Campus: 402-421-8488
-
- West Campus: 402-481-5802
-
- Hastings/Mary-Lanning: 402-461-5370
We will keep your report private as much as we can. You won’t be punished for reporting hazing in good faith, and we don’t tolerate retaliation (being punished for speaking out).
What to Include in Your Report
When reporting, please provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Name of the organization involved in hazing
- Date, time, and location of the event(s)
- Individuals involved and any witnesses (with contact information if available)
- How you became aware of the incident(s)
- A detailed description of the event(s)
- Any documentation, videos, or photographs, if applicable
- Your contact information (if not reporting anonymously)
If you wish to report anonymously, please include as much detail as possible. You may also request a meeting with a staff member without providing identifying information. The staff member will explain the process and, to the extent possible, record the information without including identifying details. Meetings can be conducted in person, via phone, or via email.
What Happens After You Report Hazing?
Once we get a report, we will:
- Investigate: Upon receiving a report, the Vice President of Student Affairs, or their designee, will assess whether the behavior constitutes hazing under college policy.
- Discipline: If hazing is found, individuals involved may face consequences like suspension, expulsion, or removal from student organizations. We’ll also provide support for victims of hazing.
Support for Victims of Hazing
If you’ve been affected by hazing, we are here to help you. We offer:
- Counseling Services: Free, confidential mental health support.
- Academic Support: Guidance and Advocacy when hazing interferes with academic success.
- Other Resources as needed and determined on an individual basis.
Prevention and Awareness
Bryan College of Health Sciences is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students and campus employees, free from hazing and any practices that degrade, humiliate, or endanger individuals. The anti-hazing policy promotes awareness that prevents behaviors and ensures that the BCHS campus community adheres to established expectations. BCHS will engage in a research-informed, campus-wide approach to hazing prevention to foster a culture of respect and inclusion of all students.
Educational Programming
- Orientation Awareness
- Annual training with campus employees and student leaders
- Social Norms Campaigns
Equity Statement
The Bryan College of Health Sciences’ mission and core values compel us to create a community in which we collaborate with others to form mutually beneficial relationships. Our community is at its best when we all practice inclusion and adaptation. Community engagement begins when individuals explore unique identities and recognize the mix of strengths, biases, privileges, perspectives, and skills they and others bring to the community. Members of the community are also called to apply the concepts of cultural humility, transparency, and social justice in their interactions. We acknowledge that these concepts can be challenging to practice, but through consistent engagement with one another we will become a more equitable community.
Title IX Statement
Bryan College has designated the Title IX coordinator to oversee complaints of sexual misconduct at Bryan College. Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, please see the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Director for assistance. The Title IX coordinator and Deputy Title IX director are specially trained to work with individuals who report sexual misconduct and have knowledge about on- and off-campus resources, services, and options - including the availability of interim protective measures and accommodations.
All college employees (including student employees) are obligated to report incidents of sexual misconduct of which they become aware, unless they have a recognized confidentiality privilege.
Title IX Sexual Harassment/Interpersonal Violence Policy
Title IX Contact Resources
Non-Discrimination Policy
Bryan College of Health Sciences is committed to providing equal opportunities for all persons and does not discriminate or retaliate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, disability, citizenship or intending citizenship status, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by law (“protected status”) in its programs and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Alethea Stovall, Dean of Students, 1535 S. 52nd Street, office #233, Lincoln, NE 68506, 402-481-3804, alethea.stovall@bryanhealth.org.
The College is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in the hiring practices of faculty and staff. The College complies with existing federal and state regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.
For additional information on notice of non-discrimination please call 1-800-421-3481.
Title IX Services
Pregnant & Parenting Students
The Dean of Students Office is committed to ensuring that students who are parenting have the support and resources to successfully navigate their experiences at Bryan College of Health Sciences. To learn more, please contact the Dean of Students Office by email or by phone at 402-481-3804.
Title IX Attended Trainings
Bryan College of Health Sciences Title IX team utilizes training mainly through Husch Blackwell.
Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Alethea Stovall, Ph.D
Dean of Students
Office 233
402-481-3804
Email
Title IX Deputy Director
Angela McCown, EdD, RN
Associate Professor
Office 318
402-481-3663
Email
