» Hazing Prevention

• 73% of students in social fraternities/sororities experienced behaviors that meet the definition of hazing in order to be members in their organization
• 71% of those who are hazed suffer negative consequences 
• 69% of students are aware of hazing on campus
• 9 out of 10 college students who are hazed do not consider themselves to have been hazed
• 95% of college students who experience hazing do not report the incident to university officials
• 82% of deaths from hazing are related to alcohol

Often those experiencing hazing may not feel comfortable sharing their situation. Warning signs of someone who is experiencing hazing may be subtle and include:

• Appearance of mental and/or physical exhaustion
• Withdrawal from normal activities and friends
• Increased levels of stress and anxiety
• Required to keep secrets
• Fear active members and organization leadership
• Not coming home for extended periods of time
• Performing special tasks for others
• Loss of sense of control and empowerment
• Lowered self-esteem and self-efficacy

If the student is okay with it, it isn't hazing.

Myth: If someone agrees to activities that are considered hazing that cannot be labeled as true consent because of other factors such as peer pressure and desire to be accepted into a group.

Hazing teaches respect and builds unity within organizations.

Myth: Building respect and unity within the organization is often an explanation for why organization leaders continue hazing practices. However, the emotional and mental toll of hazing often accomplishes the opposite. One of the major reported negative effects of experiencing hazing is decreased trust and respect for the members within an organization and decreased desire to be associated with the organization. There are many other alternatives to hazing that can build trust and closeness between members of an organization without causing harm. 

New members want to be hazed.

Myth: Don’t mistake the desire to be accepted into an organization as a desire to be hazed. New members trust the active members and leadership of their organization to have their best interest in mind. They may trust and accept that hazing is necessary and crucial to their ability to be a member of the organization because they are being told that by other members. It’s important to recognize the responsibility that comes with being an active member of an organization because you serve as a role model to new members. 

Hazing is only bad if it causes physical harm.

Myth: According to California Law, any act that could potentially cause harm to a new member in order for them to join the organization is considered hazing. It is also important to recognize that hazing causes a variety of emotional and mental harm even when physical danger is not involved. Members who experience hazing report suffering from sleep deprivation, loss of sense of control and empowerment, deterioration of relationships, increased levels of anxiety and stress, and many more emotional and/or mental damages. 

It’s tradition.

Myth: It doesn't have to be. An organization has the ability and the responsibility to stop hazing practices within their chapter and to find healthier alternatives for creating bonds between their members. 

The most tragic consequence of hazing is death; however hazing can cause many negative effects that impact a person’s daily life. It’s important to be aware that someone may be suffering from negative effects of hazing even if their experience does not culminate in death or physical injury. One study found that 71% of those who experience hazing suffer from negative effects such as: 

• Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability
• Deterioration of relationships
• Loss of respect for and desire to be a part of the organization
• Sleep deprivation
• Decline in academic performance
• Losing sense of control
• Erosion of trust within the organization
• Illness or hospitalization