Individuals and organizations engage in hazing activities for many reasons. Some may engage in hazing activities with malicious intent because they enjoy the power they exert over younger members. Others may seek positive outcomes for hazing activities, such as team building and group development. And in some cases, individuals may not even be aware that they are engaging in a certain behavior or activity that could be considered hazing.
Regardless of the intent, hazing stands in contrast to the University Ethos Statement and any perceived benefits are greatly outweighed by the actual cost of hazing.
Perceived Benefits
Costs
Organization
Brings the group closer together
Weeds out people who don’t want to take the process seriously
Keeps traditions intact
Helps the group members learn about each other
Cultivates shared pride
University sanctions and legal liability risks
Fosters mistrust between new and current members
Leads to dissension among current members
Poor commitment of members who resent being hazed
Undermines long-term commitment by alumni
May drive away desirable new members
Contributes to poor facility conditions
Leads to conflicts with alumni
Hazer
Feel a sense of pride in continuing traditions
Keeping it a secret makes one feel powerful
Promotes bonding with other members who are hazing
Get to make others go through what you had to go through
Feel less angry about having been hazed
Fun to humiliate and intimidate others
Stressful to plan and keep secret
Discomfort of playing role that is inconsistent with one’s personal values
Undermines trust with new members
Creates conflict with members who hold different views
Risk of conduct, criminal, or civil consequences
Impact of conduct action on graduate school or government applications
Potential rejection by prospective employers who are aware of the hazing
Victim
Provides a sense of accomplishment
Challenges you to develop coping skills
Makes you feel like part of the group
Prepares you for emotional challenges in life
Promotes self-discipline
Allows you do to crazy things
Loss of friendships outside of the organization
Physical pain and/or injuries
Alcohol poisioning
Resentment towards current members
Emotional duress, depression, and/or other mental health concerns
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.
