Anti-Hazing Resources & Transparency Report

The news media and social medial are full of stories reporting one of the worst possible consequences of hazing: death. While death is the worst possible outcome, there are far more examples of less severe but still life-altering consequences. These consequences may include but are not limited to: 

• Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability 
• Sleep deprivation 
• Loss of sense of control and empowerment 
• Decline in grades and coursework 
• Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer 
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome 
• Loss of respect for and interest in being part of the organization 
• Erosion of trust within the group members 
• Illness or hospitalization with additional effects on family and friends 

Those who are leading or participating in the hazing may unintentionally trigger the memory of a traumatic event in the victim’s past that could result in devastating consequences. 

Those who are accused of engaging in the hazing behaviors may face suspension or expulsion, and legal action which may include misdemeanor or felony charges and/or jail time. 

Personal impact: In addition to being accountable to the organization, the College, the state criminal process, and civil litigation, those that haze may experience the following: 

• Decline in grades and coursework 
• Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer 
• Loss of connection to alums through the organization 
• Media scrutiny 
• Damage to one’s personal reputation 
• Warped sense of leadership 
• Feelings of shame and guilt 

When a team, club or chapter participates in hazing, not only are individuals affected, but the organization also suffers. Individuals and their organization may be accountable to the national offices as well as institutional and local governing boards. Depending on the organization, the consequences can be quite significant. A local chapter of a Greek Life organization might be suspended from campus for a number of years, whereas a sports team could forfeit their season, or a club could be disbanded. In addition, the following outcomes may result when members of an organization participate in hazing: 

• Loss of reputation within the campus community, local area and nationally 
• Loss of recognition for the organization, team or club and/or other privileges revoked 
• Civil damages may be levied against the organization 
• Organization’s officers may be held responsible 
• A gradual erosion of the true meaning and values of the organization 

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect a Spartan! Students who are being hazed or treated poorly are almost always afraid to speak up. Having someone they can confide in – a favorite faculty member, a work-study supervisor, an academic advisor, a coach, or graduate assistant – is very important.

Here are some signs that could indicate a student is being treated poorly or being hazed: 

• Required to carry certain items 
• Cutting, branding, labeling, or shaving of parts of the body 
• Required “greeting” of members in a specific manner when seen on campus 
• Required walking in groups to class, food service, etc. 
• Performing of special tasks for the members or others 
• Appearance of sadness or expressions of inferiority 
• Extreme tiredness in class due to sleep deprivation 
• Withdrawal from normal activities or friends 
• Using code words and phrases to mask the actual nature of an event or activity 
• Required periods of silence or having a cell phone confiscated by a peer 
• Required to wear a specific outfit 
• Out of character behavior in public that is intentionally embarrassing to self 

If you suspect that hazing is occurring, please submit a Concerning Behavior Form.  If someone’s life is in danger, call 911 immediately. 

Student organizations and club sports/teams can positive experiences that aid in the overall college success of their members. However, when organizations engage in negative behaviors, such as hazing, student success often plummets.

Here are some key things to look for that might help you identify whether or not your student may be experiencing hazing:

• Sudden change in behavior or attitude after joining the organization or team
• Wanting to leave the organization or team with no real explanation
• Sudden decrease in communication with friends and family
• Physical or psychological exhaustion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained injuries or illness
• Change in sleeping or eating habits
• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Expressed feeling of sadness or feeling of worthlessness
• Increase in secrecy and unwillingness to share details

If you see any of the signs listed above, talk to your student. If you still have concerns or any suspicion of hazing, contact the Dean of Students or complete a Concerning Behavior Report. You may choose to anonymously file this report, but know that anonymous reports can severely limit the university’s ability to understand the scope of the incident, take action, or hold the perpetrator accountable. If at any time you feel your student’s life is in danger, please call 911.

Hazing is more prevalent than you know and can be subtle or overt. Many assume that hazing is relegated to fraternities and sororities, but that assumption is grossly inaccurate. Hazing occurs in all groups, like pre-professional organizations, sports teams, music groups, and other clubs.

According to national statistics from insidehazing.com, hazingprevention.org, and hazingstudy.org…

• More than half of college students are involved in some form of campus hazing².
• In 95% of hazing cases, students who were aware they were hazed did not report it².
• In 25% of hazing cases, coaches or advisors who were aware of hazing incidents did not report it².
• For every 10 students being hazed, only one of them realizes that they have been hazed².
• In more than half of the hazing incidents, a member of the offending group posts pictures on a public web space.
• Students are more likely to be hazed if they knew an adult who was hazed¹.
• At present in the United States, 44 states have anti-hazing laws².
• Since 1970, there has been at least one hazing-related death on a college campus each year².
• 82% percent of deaths from hazing involve alcohol².
• The first recorded incident of hazing involving sexual abuse occurred in 1983. Other hazing incidents involving sexual intimidation, nudity or stimulation, have been increasing in their frequency since 1995².

Where Does Hazing Take Place?

References for above statistics:

1. Alfred University Study, Dr. Norm Pollard, Dr. Elizabeth Allan et al, 1999
2. National Study of Student Hazing, Hazing in View: Students at Risk, Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Mary Madden, 2006 – 2008
3. Dissertation, Dr. Colleen McGlone, 2005
4. Insidehazing, Dr. Susan Lipkins, 2006

Research

Infographics from Hazing in View: College Students at Risk

University of Maine Study – Hazing in View: College Students at Risk

Langford & Associates – Comprehensive Approach to Hazing Prevention

HazingPreventionNetwork.org
Hazing Prevention Network is a national organization dedicated to providing current information related to hazing and hazing prevention to individuals and organizations.

StopHazing.org
Provides accurate, up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators. Includes articles on all types of hazing, including high school, military, athletic and fraternity/sorority hazing.

StopHazing has a vast collection of free resources available – including workshop and training guides, digital tools and downloads, and guides designed for campus professionals and leaders to build commitment to hazing prevention. For parents, take a look at Dr. Stephen’s blog article about contacting campus professionals and student leaders. For students, read more about what to consider before joining a social organization on your campus. Additionally, is

StandUp to Hazing™
A research-based and self-guided, 20-minute online course that educates about the realities of hazing and how to recognize, intervene, report, and prevent it by developing leadership skills and building healthy, safe, and inclusive campus environments and groups.

The National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention
The NCHRP engages in research, information-sharing, and the development and dissemination of evidence-based hazing prevention and intervention strategies.

Inside Hazing: Understanding Hazardous Hazing
Provides practical information on all aspects of hazing as well as the theoretical perspective of Susan Lipkins, Ph.D., author of “Preventing Hazing: How Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Can Stop the Violence, Harassment, and Humiliation.”

Unofficial Clearinghouse to Track Hazing Deaths and Incidents
Compiles hazing news stories and reports on hazing incidents by Hank Nuwer, one of the nation’s leading experts on hazing.

Anti-Hazing Coalition
A collaboration of the National Panhellenic Conference, the North American Interfraternity Conference and parents whose children were tragically killed by acts of hazing. The AHC is working to eradicate hazing through aggressive student educational outreach, new state-level efforts to strengthen criminal and civil penalties for hazing and federal advocacy to use transparency to make lasting cultural change in student organizations and on university campuses.

Advocacy Groups

C.H.U.C.K. (Committee to Halt Useless College Killings) c/o Eileen Stevens
516 567-1130, P.O. Box 188, Sayville, New York 11782

C.H.A.D. (Cease Hazing Activities and Deaths) c/o Rita Saucier
334 343-2119, P.O. Box 850955, Mobile, Alabama 36685

UNC Greensboro combats hazing by providing programming and training throughout the year to educate students and other community members about how to recognize, prevent, and report hazing. Learning modules are provided through ItMatters, a research-informed platform from Prevention Strategies that is required for all incoming students and students in communities of emphasis, and is available for all students. 

Additional programming takes place through speakers, workshops, an anti-hazing training made available to UNCG students. This programming will equip students to:

• Understand what hazing is, and the policies and laws surrounding it,
• know avenues for reporting hazing,
• employ methods of group joining, membership, and belonging that do not include hazing, and
• prioritize the safety of themselves and others in the UNC Greensboro community.