School of Pharmacy student organizations should be aware that Wisconsin Statute 948.51 prohibits any form of hazing. The statute says:
948.51 Hazing. (1) In this section “forced activity” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity. (2) No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student. (3) Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of: (a) A Class A misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another. (b) A Class E felony if the act results in great bodily harm or death to another.
This applies to all School of Pharmacy student organization activities, regardless of the location, and to all School of Pharmacy students as well as those who are not enrolled in the School of Pharmacy (e.g., alumni and/or guests). Any incident of hazing should be reported to the School of Pharmacy Dean’s Office. This responsibility may rest with any individual (victim, witness, organization member, faculty, etc.). Depending upon the nature of the offense, academic and/or nonacademic misconduct disciplinary procedures may be initiated. Where student organizations are involved, failure to comply with UW Center for Leadership & Involvement policies may result in non-registered status. Furthermore, the UW School of Pharmacy may refer information regarding an offense to the appropriate law enforcement office.