How Do I Know If It's Hazing?
How do I know if my organization is hazing?
Did You Know?
The following are a few of most frequently reported hazing activities on college campuses:
Participating in a drinking game
Singing or chanting in a public situation
Associating with specific people and not others
Drinking large amounts of alcohol to the point of getting sick or passing out
Being deprived of sleep
Being screamed, yelled, or cursed at by other members
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Would you be willing to describe the activity to your own parents, grandparents, the parents of a fellow student, a professor, a dean, the College president, a police officer, or a judge?
- Would you tell new members of the group what they will go through?
- How would you feel if the activity was photographed and appeared in The Hoya or The Voice or on Facebook, YouTube, or local TV?
- Is there a risk of real or even perceived physical or psychological discomfort or harm, i.e. was it demeaning, abusive or dangerous?
Still need help figuring out if it’s hazing or not?
Consider these questions:
- Is the activity an educational experience?
- Does this activity promote and conform to the ideals and values of your organization?
- Is alcohol involved?
- How does this activity specifically help the new members of the group become a better member of the organization, group, or team?
- Do any activities violate the Code of Student Conduct or federal, state, or local law?
When in doubt, consider the following:
- Consumption of alcohol increases risk and impairs the judgment of all who are involved
- Health or safety dangers
- Fatigue and/or denial of rest or study time
- Verbal abuse
- Embarrassing, undignified, or humiliating acts
Adapted from Stophazing.org
Report Hazing
The University will investigate all reports of hazing behavior, including those reported anonymously. If this is an emergency or an urgent situation, call 911 or Georgetown University Police (202-687-4343) immediately.