4 things everyone should know about hazing
College can come with a lot of social pressures. Sometimes, in our efforts to make friends or join a particular group, we can find ourselves in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Here are four things everyone should know about hazing.
What is hazing?
Hazing includes any activities expected of a person to join or participate in a group that can humiliate, degrade, abuse, endanger or risk emotional or physical harm. Hazing can also include any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally causes harm.
When we talk about hazing, it’s important to know that the person’s willingness to participate in a given activity or task does not make it okay.
Who is at risk?
It’s important to know that hazing can happen in any group, including:
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The risk of hazing can differ by group depending on several factors, including group culture and tolerance for hazing behaviors. Taking some time to reflect on the types of groups you want to join (and why) can help you clarify for yourself what types of relationships and experiences you want to have in college. It can also help you begin to think about what activities you are or are not comfortable doing to be part of a given group.
If you’re considering joining a group, try asking yourself the following questions:
- What types of groups or organizations have you thought about joining and why?
- What do you know about the group? How can you find out more?
- What kinds of activities are required to join?
- How will it impact your academics, social life or other activities?
- Is drinking or drug use a significant part of the culture and what might that mean for you?
- How comfortable are you with the activities or the unknowns related to the membership process?
What does hazing look like?
Hazing encompasses a wide range of activities. These activities are often required of specific members of the group, such as new recruits. Additionally, they are often meant to take priority over other activities in a person’s life as part of the initiation or recruitment process.
Here are some examples of what hazing can look like in real life.*
Intimidation
- Deception, secrecy, coercion
- Assigning demerits
- Demeaning names
- Social isolation
- Expecting certain items to always be in your possession
- Ignoring members
- Reports from specific members
- Duties assigned only to specific members
- Trying to instill fear in members
- Depriving members of privileges
Harm to well-being
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or implied threats
- Asking members to wear embarrassing attire
- Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual simulation or harassment
- Questioning or interrogation under pressure
- Requiring new members to perform personal service to active members or alumni (e.g., carrying books, running errands)
- Required singing or chanting at an unrelated game or event
Violence/physical harm
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, food, etc.
- Beating, paddling or other forms of assault
- Branding
- Water intoxication
- Abduction/kidnapping
- Sexual assault, including unwanted touching or penetration, including oral, anal, vaginal, with a body part or objects
- Forced tattoos or body piercings
- Enduring harsh weather without appropriate clothing or protection
*(Allan, 2015; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander)
Due to the nature of these activities, many hazing behaviors go unrecognized and unreported.
It’s important to know that groups who participate in these types of hazing activities or rituals often swear members to secrecy about all aspects of the group, including initiation requirements and activities. Speaking up about hazing, even when it interferes with a group’s expectations, can help prevent it from escalating or happening to other members.
What can I do about hazing?
Hazing can be a sensitive topic, especially if someone has been subjected to degrading, humiliating or violent behaviors and activities.
Here are a few things you can do to help someone who may be experiencing hazing.
Learn to identify hazing activitiesKnowing what hazing looks like can help you understand what is okay and what crosses the line. To help identify if an action may be considered hazing, ask the following questions:
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Take note of changesHazing can cause someone to experience physical, emotional and psychological distress. Here are some signs to take note of if you think someone may be experiencing hazing:
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Start the conversationIf you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing hazing, here are some ways to start the conversation:
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Connect with resources
Whether you or someone you know is struggling with hazing or initiation practices, there are support resources available. For more information, you can also check out .
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OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive event. This includes hazing.
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If you or someone you know has experienced hazing, you can with SSCR.
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