578.365. Hazing — consent not a defense — penalties
Hazing is illegal, even if the student agrees to it
It is a crime to take part in or cause hazing that puts a student’s physical or mental health at risk during initiation or membership in a college organization. It’s still illegal even if the student agrees to participate.
1. A person commits hazing if they knowingly do something—on or off campus—to a student or prospective member of a college or university group that:
- Puts the person at serious risk of physical or mental harm or death, and
- Is done for the purpose of joining or staying in the organization.
Examples of hazing include:
- (1) Physical harm like beating, branding, forced drinking or drug use, exposure to the elements, or forced smoking or chewing tobacco;
- (2) Mental harm like sleep deprivation, confinement, or extreme stress;
- (3) Forcing someone to do something illegal under Missouri law.
2. All Missouri colleges and universities must have a written policy that bans hazing in student organizations.
3. This law does not create a new right to sue schools over hazing.
4. A student’s consent is not a valid defense. Missouri’s regular assault or homicide definitions do not apply in hazing-related injury or death cases.
5. Hazing is a class A misdemeanor. If it creates a serious risk of death, it becomes a class D felony.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
