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What is Hazing?

Hazing

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—

  • 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

The Spectrum of Hazing

The spectrum of hazing

Citation: (Allan, 2005; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; [Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander®], The Spectrum of Hazing™)

Examples of Hazing

  • forced cleaning
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  • forced wear of embarrassing clothing
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  • running errands/menial tasks
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  • depriving you of regular hygiene practices (brushing teeth, bathing)
    		•
  • forced interviews
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  • making you steal or destroy property
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  • scavenger hunts
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  • “drop-offs” or “dumps” in unfamiliar locations
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  • mental and/or psychological abuse
    		•
  • being duct taped or some other physical restraints
    		•
  • public or private displays of humiliation
    		•
  • violence
    		•
  • forced use of alcohol or drugs
    		•
  • sexual assault
    		•
  • providing alcohol to minors
    		•
  • beating
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  • use of alcohol or drugs during the new member education/intake process or other membership events
    		•
  • kicking
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  • line-ups
    		•
  • calisthenics
    		•
  • forced eating or drinking of items
    		•
  • creation of excessive fatigue
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  • being yelled at or cursed at by other members of the team or group
    		•
  • any activity which seriously endangers the health or safety of another individual
    		•
  • sleep deprivation
    		•
  • public nudity
    		•

    Joining a club, team, or organization?

    Here are some questions to ask yourself (or in conversation) before joining a group. Explore the tips on what to look for when considering joining a group, and some other considerations to be aware of before joining a club, team, or organization.

    Citation: StopHazing (2024). Joining a club, team, or organization?

    Five Steps for Safe & Effective Bystander Intervention

    Bystander intervention

    Source: StopHazing & Clery Center (2021)