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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio)— Harvard College expanded its definition of hazing in its student handbook ahead of the 2026-27 school year, including policies similar to existing federal and state laws.
The policy prohibits sleep deprivation, the forced consumption of substances, as well as any conduct that physically or psychologically harms students in official and unofficial student organizations on or off campus, according to The Harvard Crimson.
"I believe that you don't need to do stupid things to have fun, that you can be with your friends and welcome people into groups without causing them harm — mental or physical," Lucas, a Harvard student, said.
Though no student organizations were found responsible for hazing last year, two student groups faced repercussions following reports of hazing during the 2024-25 academic year: the Harvard Independent and the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra.
The Harvard Independent was accused of lining recruits up and dousing them with honey after throwing eggs at them, while the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra was accused of blindfolding recruits as upperclassmen hollered orders at them and supplied them with vodka at an annual retreat.
The Independent was given a warning, and the Orchestra was suspended through the fall semester, though the Dean of Students eventually reversed the hazing decision.
"It doesn't make any sense that some of the wealthiest, most privileged people in the world come here to bully each other — I mean I guess that makes perfect sense now that I say that out loud," MIT graduate Mila said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.