Having been a fraternity man in the 1960s at McGill University, I experienced hazing. I remember hazing as being a series of demeaning activities which took place during initiation. In retrospect these activities were probably regarded as nothing more than harmless pranks. I don't think my fraternity brothers thought too much about it because that's the way things had always been done during initiation. In other words hazing is a cycle. It is a cycle just like beating children. It is a cycle which must be broken.
Some people will argue that hazing is a 'tradition', something everybody does. As far as most schools are concerned it is illegal.
Hazing Today
Hazing today is unlike anything I remember from my youth. Hazing today isn't just about harmless pranks. StopHazing.org lists three kinds of hazing: subtle hazing, harassment hazing and violent hazing. What's more hazing is no longer confined to colleges. It's now a regular occurrence in high school activities, clubs and athletics. Read High School History of Hazing for the alarming details.
Why Does Hazing Exist?
Hazing exists because parents, teachers and students permit it to exist. Parents need to demand that hazing be met with zero tolerance. Teachers must not look the other way and ignore 'traditions'. Students have to speak up and tell an adult when they see or hear of any form of hazing. It's that simple. Only YOU can end hazing. Remove hazing from the list of high school 'traditions'. Emphasize that hazing is an illegal activity and will not be tolerated.
Learn About Hazing
Start with High School Hazing: When Rites Become Wrongs by Hank Nuwer. Professor Nuwer examines the subject thoroughly. His book should be required reading for everybody in your school community: administration, faculty, coaches, parents and students.
Hazing is Illegal
Hazing is illegal in most states. Only Alaska,Montana, South Dakota,
Hawaii, New Mexico and Wyoming don't have anti-hazing laws. The legal ramifications of hazing are enormous. Learn how to protect your school with a zero tolerance policy and proactive education about hazing. Assume nothing. Even if you think your school is clean, you need to discuss the subject, lay out the ground rules and enforce them unequivocally.
Read my daughters' experiences with hazing on page 2. My interview with Professor Nuwer follows on pages 3-5.
