Hazing: Out of Step with the Times and Illegal

The beginning of a new school year always encourages that old nasty, hazing, to reappear. Young people feel that it is 'traditional' and 'expected' to 'initiate' new members of the school community with demeaning, embarrassing rites and rituals. Nonsense! If we adults intervene and make it very clear that hazing in all its implicit and explicit forms will NOT be tolerated, then hazing becomes a thing of the past. It's like beating children: we must break the cycle in order for beating to stop.

If hazing has not been discussed on your campus, find out why. I offer some talking points in Hazing - A High School Tradition or Illegal Activity. Read what Dr. Hank Nuwer, an authority on hazing, has to say. Understand the legal implications of hazing. Make your school a truly safe, accepting community.