According to the  MSUB Student Code of Conduct, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against a student regardless of that student's willingness to participate, that:

  1. was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or student government); and
  2. causes or is likely to contribute to a substantial risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical training necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation.

Consistent with this definition, intentional, knowing or reckless acts may include, but are not limited to, acts which:

  1. Subject another to a situation or action that a reasonable person would foresee as causing mental 
    or physical discomfort    embarrassment, injury, or ridicule, or which may demean, disgrace, or 
    degrade any person;
  2. Endanger the physical or mental health or safety of any student or other person, including 
    extended deprivation of sleep or rest, forced consumption of food, alcohol, beverage, or drugs, 
    beating or branding, involuntary confinement or imprisonment, or personal servitude;
  3. Unreasonably interfere with a student’s academic performance or the ability of a student to 
    participate in an educational program, activity, or event;
  4. Encourage or otherwise prompt others to destroy, vandalize, or remove public or private 
    property; or
  5. Constitute a violation of any laws or University policies.

Individual acceptance or acquienscence to any activity does not affect a determination of whether the activity constitutes hazing.

 

How to Identify Hazing. What to watch and listen for to know when someone is being hazed. What is hazing? Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person's willingness to participate. Examples include: humiliation, roast nights, wearing embarrassing clothing, being taken to and left at an unknown location, sleep deprivation and being woken up in the night, expecting items to always be in one's possession, threats, implied threats, verbal abuse, assigning demerits, water intoxication or forced ingestion, drinking large amounts (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), watching or performing live sex acts, making prank calls or harassing others. What are the signs? Some "red flags" to look for may indicte that a person has experienced hazing. Chronic fatigue, unusual photos posted on social media, disrupted patterns of behavior or communication like skipping classes, change in grades, not coming home, not eating meals, change in personal hygiene, only associating with certain people, describing hazing activities but referring to them as "traditions" or "initiations," concern expressed from others, symptoms of depression. How can I report it? Each school and institution has its own process for reporting hazing. Some examples of who you might contact for support are: campus professors, coaches, advisors, dean of students or other administration member, health services, university police, parent, trusted adult, residence hall director. Go to stophazing.org for more information.

 

What are some examples of hazing?

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
  • Requiring the carrying of items such as statues, rocks, paddles, etc.
  • Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, push-ups, etc.
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Preventing / restricting class attendance
  • Forcing or coercing someone to eat or drink against their will
  • Completing tasks in order to obtain signatures
  • Preventing personal hygiene
  • Causing indecent exposureRequiring uncomfortable attire
  • Keeping the date of initiation into the group a secret
  • Work parties / clean up for new members only
  • Scavenger or treasure hunts

 

Hazing Prevention

Assess the situation and recognize the harm:

concerned face emojiBe able to recognize hazing when it's happening around you.
  • Is this activity causing embarassment or harassment?
  • Is it risking emotional or physical harm?
  • Are students expected to particpate in this activity in order to join the organization?
  • Will I have to keep this a secret?

 

bullhornChoose to respond.

  • Weigh your options and personal safety before intervening. 
  • Choose to say or do something to interrupt hazing.
  • Remove yourself from the situation safely.  Do not physically intervene.
  • This is a good opportunity to convince others this is not a good idea and they may follow.

Call 911 if someone's life is in danger!

As soon as possible, report the incident to the proper authorities, such as:

  • University Police
  • Dean of Students
  • Residence Hall Assistant
  • Club Director
  • Coach 
  • Counselor
  • Student Health Services
  • Professor
  • Parent/other trusted adult

 

 

Myths vs. Facts

Fact: 

Hazing is an act of power and control over others – it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and not accidental. Hazing is abusive and degrading, and may be life-threatening.

 

Fact: 

In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim cannot be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when considering peer pressure and the victim’s desire to belong to the group.

Fact: 

Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been documented frequently in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or organizations.

Fact: 

Safety may be compromised by traditional hazing activities, even those considered to be “in good fun,” and even in the absence of malicious intent. For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. The risks of hazing far outweigh any potential “benefits” of such activities.

Fact: 

Respect must be earned – it cannot be taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. For example, would you respect the person that yells at you or the person that helps you wax the floors for parents weekend? As with other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy, and alienation in an organization/group. It does nothing to bring the group together as one.

 
 

Other Hazing Prevention Resources