What are some examples of hazing?
Some examples of hazing are if you and/or members of your new member class are required to do one or more of the following: • calisthenics, such as sit-ups or push-ups • expose total or partial nudity • eat an unwanted substance • wear something obscene • carry something that is too heavy • be pushed, shoved or paddled (or trade swats with a paddle) • consume alcoholic beverages due to threats or peer pressure • allow substances (oil, syrup, flour) to be thrown on or at you • line up and be intimidated, interrogated or demeaned • participate in transportation and abandonment (road trips, kidnaps) • be confined in an area which is uncomfortable or dangerous • act as a servant to someone else • participate in pranks (theft, harassing other people) • clean up a house or room that has been intentionally messed up to be cleaned • be called demeaning names and/or yelled and screamed at • fight with others for entertainment
There are many forms of hazing. Some are more violent and degrading than others, but all tend to center out specific team members. Below are several examples of hazing which have occurred in a sporting setting. Verbal Abuse Forced alcohol consumption Sexual assault/violation/simulation Dressing in humiliating clothing Forced public nudity Sleep deprivation Ostracizing individuals Etc. As a result of these initiation acts, those who are hazed are often left with physical and emotional scars. As was reported on the Mothers Against School Hazing website (MASH Inc., n.d., b), hazing can lead to a loss of self-esteem, trust, and self-confidence. It can also lead to friendships and teams being destroyed, communities being separated into sides, and respect being lost for those involved. Some may question how it is possible that the initiates are allowing hazing acts, such as the ones listed above, to occur. Generally the need to fit in, and the peer pressure they are receiving from the leader
These activities have at one time or another been construed as hazing by the courts and/or institutions or higher education: • Paddling or striking in any manner • Marking or branding • Physical harassment: pushing, cursing, yelling, etc. • Staging any form of “line-up” • Conducting any type of “hell week” activities • Requiring new members to practice periods of silence • Phone duty • Requiring the carrying of items such as statues, rocks, paddles, etc. • Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, push-ups, etc.
The University Police Department, the Offices of the Dean of Student Life, the Department of Residence Life, the Department of Student Activities and the Office of the Commandant can all serve as a resource to students who feel that they are the victim of hazing and wish to report it to university officials.
