The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents…means 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:¹  

• is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and  

• 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, including—  

◊ whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;  

◊ causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;  

◊ causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;  

◊ causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;  

◊ any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;  

◊ any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and 

◊ any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law. 

(source) The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, 20 U.S.C SS 1092(f) (2024) 

SCHA defines “an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, 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”. 

Recognized student organizations and groups at OTC:  

-Family Career and Community Leaders of America 

- National Adult Education Honor Society 

- National Technical Honor Society 

- SkillsUSA 

The Chad Meredith Act  

In July 2005, a new law was established in honor of Chad Meredith, a University of Miami student who tragically drowned following a night of drinking with fraternity members during his pledge period. At the time of his passing, Chad's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was recorded at 0.13%. Across the U.S., a BAC of 0.02% - 0.08% signifies illegal intoxication, indicating that both physical and cognitive functions are impaired. 

This law creates specific criminal offenses for hazing at both the high school and college levels.  

State of Florida's Definition of Hazing  

“Hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective. 

In the State of Florida, Hazing is a Criminal Offense 

• A third-degree felony of hazing is when a person intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization, and the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death of such other person. 

• A first-degree misdemeanor, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person. 

It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that: 

• The consent of the victim had been obtained; 

• The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or 

• The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the person was not done as a condition of membership to an organization. 

Source: Chad Meredith Act, HB 193,  

Source: Florida Statutes & Constitution 

Andrew’s Law (SB 1080) 

This law, established in 2019, honors Andrew Coffey, a Florida State University student who tragically died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing ritual. His blood alcohol level was 0.447, six times the legal limit. 

Andrew's Law amended Section 1006.63 of the Florida Statutes, modifying the existing anti-hazing statute, known as the Chad Meredith Act, in several significant ways: 

• Grants immunity to the first person who calls 911 or provides aid to a victim of hazing. 

• Expands the definition of hazing to include individuals who solicit others to participate in hazing or those who are actively involved in planning a hazing event, even if they are not present when the hazing takes place. 

• Classifies hazing resulting in permanent injury as a third-degree felony, aligning the penalty with that for hazing resulting in death. 

Source: Florida Statutes & Constitution 

The OCPS Hazing Policy Statement is part of School Board Policy JIC, which governs the Student Code of Conduct for dual-enrolled students at OTC. The OTC Disciplinary Response Code is applicable to adult students attending OTC. 

If an investigation is based on an alleged threat, the School Threat Management Team will review it. This team was created in accordance with both Board Policy, JICK, Threats, and Florida Statute 1006.07. 

For hazing incidents, especially those that involve sexual misconduct, stalking, or dating violence, it is considered a Title IX violation. The school's Discipline Team will investigate it along with the discipline office. All hazing incidents must also be reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities. 

The School Board Policy JIC and OTC Disciplinary Response Code establishes the expectations for student conduct. However, it does not include specific guidelines for prevention and awareness programs. To address this gap, the district actively offers educational resources and initiatives designed to raise awareness among both students and employees. 

Available Educational Courses:  

Dual-enrolled students who participate in athletic programs at OCPS can take advantage of free online elective courses created by the NFHS Organization. These courses are designed to educate students about hazing prevention, helping them recognize hazing behaviors, understand when to intervene, and appreciate the importance of reporting such incidents. The available courses include: 

- Hazing Prevention for Students 

- Bullying, Hazing, and Inappropriate Behaviors

These courses are accessible to students, employees, parents, and anyone interested in learning more. They aim to help individuals identify hazing, know when to take action, and understand the critical role of reporting these incidents. Participants will also learn how hazing differs from bullying and the vital role bystanders play in fostering a welcoming environment. 

Coaches' Training: OCPS requires coaches to complete a Hazing Prevention Course annually. This course not only enhances coaches' skills in supporting students but also provides a subsidy upon successful completion to recognize their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. 

The SCHA requires institutions to create a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR), which is separate from the Annual Security Report (ASR). The CHTR will include important details about hazing violations by student organizations and will be updated at least twice a year. It will feature: 

- The name of the student organization involved. 

- A brief description of the violation and any consequences faced. 

- The dates of the incident, the investigation, and the final decision. 

- No personally identifiable information will be included. 

- Any hazing incidents reported in July 2025 will be published by June 30, 2026, and will be featured on the OTC Campus Safety Hub under the section titled Prevention, Awareness & Resources, specifically in Hazing Prevention Education. 

Campus Hazing Transparency Report Notification: OTC will provide public access to our hazing statistics and reports, including links to the ASR and the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, in accordance with SCHA requirements. This information will be available here and will be updated at least biannually. The first update notification is expected to be released by December 23, 2025. 

No Hazing Findings: If our institution determines that there are no hazing violations in recent reports, OTC will keep the campus community informed about the findings. Maintaining a safe and supportive environment requires keeping everyone aware of these matters. This transparency is essential for fostering an informed space for all. 

Annual Security Report (ASR) Notification: By October 1st each year, we will include hazing statistics in the ASR, showing incidents from the previous three years. Any hazing incidents noted will be included in the 2026 ASR and future reports.

According to JIC policy, individuals are encouraged to report incidents of hazing by: 

The reporting of such an act may be done anonymously by: 

 i. Telling the school official the reporter wishes to remain anonymous;  

ii. Sending an email to the school administration/district;  

iii. Calling the school/district, or  

iv. By using any other form of communication to inform the school of the alleged hazing 

Further options for reporting can be made to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) on your campus. 

Anyone who is a victim or perpetrator of hazing will be referred to a certified school counselor for support.  

For hazing incidents, especially those that involve sexual misconduct, stalking, or dating violence, it is considered a Title IX violation. The school's Discipline Team will investigate it along with the discipline office. All hazing incidents must also be reported to law enforcement.