Hazing
Definition
Any conduct that subjects another person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, humiliate, degrade or intimidate the person as a condition of joining or being socially accepted by a group, team or organization. Purported Consent by the person subject to Hazing is not a defense, regardless of the person’s perceived willingness to cooperate or participate.
Examples
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Contact Acts
Tying, taping or otherwise physically restraining another person; beating, paddling or other forms of physical assault.
Non-contact Acts
Requiring or forcing the consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs or other substances in an effort to elicit a negative physiological response, including participation in binge drinking and drinking games; personal servitude; requiring social actions (e.g., wearing inappropriate or provocative clothing) or public displays (e.g., public nudity) that are illegal or meant to draw ridicule; excessive training requirements demanded of only particular individuals on a team that serve no reasonable or productive training purpose; sleep deprivation; otherwise unnecessary schedule disruptions; withholding of water and/or food; restrictions on personal hygiene.
Sexualized Acts
Actual or simulated Sexual Conduct of any nature.
The Facts
- 25% were first hazed before the age of 13.
- Hazing is often about power and control. Hazing does not build unity.
- More than half of college students involved in clubs, sports teams and organizations have experienced hazing.
- Hazing occurs in middle schools, high schools and colleges
- 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year.
- 92% of the high school students will not report hazing, and of these respondents, 59% know of hazing activities and 21% admit to being involved in hazing.
- 43% of high school students reported being subjected to humiliating activities and 30% performed potentially illegal acts as part of their initiation.