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Dalhousie University completes investigation into allegations of hazing with the Dalhousie Tigers Men's Rugby Club

Posted by Media Centre on January 15, 2015 in News

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 (Halifax, NS) - Dalhousie University has completed its investigation into allegations of hazing with the Dalhousie Tigers Men’s Rugby Club for events that occurred on September 20, 2014. Dalhousie University acted on a formal complaint it received from a university employee and began an investigation under the university’s hazing policy.

Based on the information collected during a thorough investigation, Dalhousie University has determined that the Dalhousie Tigers Men’s Rugby Club has violated the Dalhousie Hazing Policy. No academic penalties were imposed for these infractions.

Dalhousie is committed to being a safe, respectful and inclusive place to learn and play. We expect our student-run sport clubs to adhere to their obligations in the Sport Club Handbook, and will not tolerate behaviour that humiliates, disrespects or threatens the safety of individuals in our community.

As a result of the investigation findings there are a number of sanctions that will be in place for the Rugby Club for the 2014-2015 year, including:

  • Suspension from play as a University Club team will remain for the rest of the 2014-2015 year.
  • Club Members who attended the events on the evening of September 20, 2014 must attend an education session that will cover the topics of hazing awareness and prevention, alcohol harm reduction and respect.  
  • The team’s Executive has to meet with the Dalhousie Hazing Committee to look at developing future hazing programs for all sport teams on campus.

The Dalhousie Tigers Men’s Rugby Club suspension will be removed in 2015-2016, if prior to and during the season:  

  • The Club agrees that a committee made up of members of the team and representatives from Dalhousie will select their new Club executive. Prospective executive members will be interviewed and asked how they plan to address hazing.
  • Current and new club members must attend an educational training session on hazing awareness and prevention, alcohol harm reduction, risk-management and respect. As part of that session they must develop an event plan for the entire year.
  • They must sign an agreement that they understand the Dalhousie Hazing Policy.
  • They will not enter into agreements with alcohol companies.
  • They will not have any team events that involve alcohol.

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Media Contact:
Janet Bryson
Senior communications advisor
Dalhousie University
janet.bryson@dal.ca
902-494-1269 (o)
902-222-9379 (m)