Alpha Pi Tau fraternity at Keene State University in Keene, N.H. was disciplined this month for allegedly hazing pledges by making them roll around naked in dog food.
To date, only the university has punished the fraternity through an on-campus judicial hearing. But a New Hampshire law that went into effect in July made hazing a Class B misdemeanor, and requires that schools inform police when they hear of hazing incidents.
A Class B misdemeanor is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to $1200. Although there is no jail sentence, the court may impose community service.
So far, Alpha Pi Tau has not been charged with a violation of the state law.
State lawbooks define hazing as "any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization."
Any group at a college that is found guilty of violating the law faces fines and could have its corporation charter for a year.
Under the new law, any hazing that causes physical or psychological injury is illegal and punishable. Hazing is defined as any activity "likely to cause physical injury or substantial emotional distress to any person."
Keene State administrators sentenced the house to suspension for the Fall term and public service.
A statement released by the fraternity said, "Alpha Pi Tau recognizes that hazing is a dangerous practice that can no longer be tolerated. We have agreed to sanctions that require our organization to adopt a positive pledging format."
The house's statement also recognized that school officials would be superseded by New Hampshire police to enforce the hazing legislation.
According to Keene State spokeswoman Resa Lindsey, the fraternity will be allowed to return to campus following their suspension with "full status."
Alpha Pi Tau president Jeremy Neil refused to comment.
Dartmouth's student handbook states that hazing is "a misdemeanor crime, punishable with a fine of up to $2,000."
