Lana Oconnell
Hazing is a dangerous and often deadly tradition in universities and colleges that has gained attention in recent years due to the deaths of high-profile individuals. Hazing deaths have occurred at least once a year in US universities from 1969 to 2021, with over 200 deaths since 1838. While hazing is prohibited by colleges and universities, they struggle to prevent it, and it is challenging to gauge its prevalence due to a lack of formal tracking. This discussion will explore the role universities play in student hazing deaths, the challenges they face, and potential solutions to address this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hazing deaths in the United States | Over 200 since 1838 |
| Annual hazing deaths | At least 1 every year from 1969 to 2021 |
| Hazing-related deaths and injuries | Steadily rising |
| Colleges' role in hazing deaths | Struggle to prevent hazing despite launching numerous anti-hazing programs |
| Hazing definition | Any activity that "humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers" a person to join a group |
| Hazing and secrecy | Often done in secret, making it difficult for authorities to detect and intervene |
| Hazing and mental health | Can lead to lifelong anxiety, PTSD, and depression |
| Hazing and alcohol | Most common hazing deaths were alcohol-related |
| Hazing and athletics | More than 250,000 students experienced hazing to join a college athletic team |
| Hazing and gender | 50% of female NCAA Division I athletes reported being hazed |
| Hazing and legislation | Only some states have made hazing a felony; unsuccessful attempts to make it a federal offense |
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What You'll Learn
Hazing deaths are common in universities
While hazing is illegal in many states and can result in felony charges, it is not always effectively prevented or punished. Colleges and universities prohibit hazing but struggle to prevent it, even with the implementation of numerous anti-hazing programs. The prevalence of hazing is difficult to gauge as no organization formally tracks it, and higher education institutions generally do not monitor hazing incidents or allegations. This lack of reporting means that the true statistics on hazing deaths may be underestimated.
In recent years, there has been a rise in hazing-related deaths and injuries in US colleges and universities. In 2019, at least two deaths and over 1,000 injuries were reported due to college hazing incidents. Female athletes are particularly vulnerable, with 50% of female NCAA Division I athletes reporting being hazed, including physical and sexual abuse. The financial consequences of hazing may also play a role in slowing down the tradition, as wrongful death lawsuits are filed against schools and even the parents of hazers.
To prevent hazing deaths in universities, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including education for students and parents about the dangers and consequences of hazing. Anti-hazing laws need to be strengthened and enforced more effectively, and students should be encouraged to speak out against hazing and provided with safe and confidential reporting mechanisms. Support and resources, including counseling and legal services, should be made available to students who have been hazed. By working together with colleges and universities, it is possible to develop and implement effective anti-hazing policies and programs to protect students from the dangers of hazing.
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Hazing is illegal in many states
Hazing, which is defined as "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that
Recognizing the severity of the issue, 44 states have passed laws prohibiting hazing, with varying consequences. In Florida, for instance, hazing is a third-degree felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death, and a first-degree misdemeanor if it creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death. Convictions can lead to jail or prison time, with third-degree felonies carrying up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Similarly, Louisiana is on the verge of becoming the 11th state to make hazing a felony when it results in death or serious injury.
Despite these laws, the challenge of tracking hazing incidents persists. There is no centralized system for monitoring hazing-related deaths, and the role of hazing in some fatalities is subject to dispute. Additionally, higher education institutions generally do not monitor or report hazing incidents, and it is not mandated by the Clery Act. However, efforts are being made to address this issue. A bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to require colleges to track and report hazing, as well as educate students about its dangers and signs.
While the legal landscape is evolving to criminalize and deter hazing, the dangers and impacts of hazing in colleges and universities continue to be a pressing concern. The rituals of violence, heavy drinking, and humiliation associated with hazing have severe consequences, and the best way to address the problem is for students to speak up and hold each other accountable.
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Universities struggle to prevent hazing
The secretive nature of hazing makes it challenging for universities to address. Hazing often takes place behind closed doors and away from the gaze of authority figures, making detection difficult. Students who are hazed are often sworn to secrecy and may fear retaliation if they speak out, perpetuating a culture of silence that protects those engaging in hazing from being held accountable.
While universities have launched numerous anti-hazing programs and policies, their effectiveness is limited without the involvement of parents and faculty. Educating students and parents about the dangers and consequences of hazing is essential, as is encouraging students to speak out and providing them with safe and confidential reporting mechanisms.
The lack of formal tracking and monitoring systems for hazing incidents at the institutional and national levels also hinders prevention efforts. Hazing is not one of the student offenses that colleges must report to the U.S. Department of Education, and there is no central system for tracking hazing-related deaths. This makes it difficult to accurately gauge the prevalence of hazing and develop effective prevention strategies.
Additionally, while many states have criminalized hazing, the laws vary in severity, and enforcement can be inconsistent. Strengthening and uniformly enforcing anti-hazing laws, and ensuring that they are treated as seriously as other crimes, is crucial to deterrence.
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Hazing causes physical and mental harm
Hazing is defined as "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate". Hazing is associated with rituals that students endure to gain acceptance into a group on campus. While death is the worst possible outcome of hazing, there are many other examples of severe and life-altering consequences.
Hazing can cause physical harm, including forced consumption, physical injury, assault or battery, and kidnapping or imprisonment. It can also lead to mental harm, such as emotional strain, shame or self-blame, and depression. Hazing can also trigger memories of past trauma, which can have devastating consequences.
One study found that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences, including physical, emotional, and/or mental instability, sleep deprivation, loss of sense of control, decline in grades, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Hazing can also cause a person to withdraw from activities and experience a loss of respect for and interest in the organization they are trying to join.
The physical and mental harm caused by hazing can have long-lasting effects that persist into adulthood. It is important to recognize the potential harm that hazing can inflict on individuals and to take steps to prevent and address this issue in university settings.
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Hazing deaths lead to lawsuits
Hazing, defined as "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate", has led to numerous student deaths and injuries in universities across the United States. Alcohol poisoning is the biggest cause of hazing deaths, with over 200 university hazing deaths occurring since 1838, and at least one death recorded every year from 1969 to 2021.
While many states have made hazing a crime, with Florida classifying it as a third-degree felony, hazing is not one of the student offences that colleges must report to the U.S. Department of Education under the Clery Act. This makes it difficult to gauge the prevalence of college hazing, as no organisation formally tracks it. However, hazing deaths often prompt multiple investigations, lawsuits, and new anti-hazing initiatives.
One example is the hazing civil lawsuit against Pi Delta Psi Fraternity at Baruch College, which resulted in the death of college student Chun "Michael" Deng in 2013. Deng was forced to carry a backpack filled with 20 pounds of sand while being tackled by fraternity members. Four members of the fraternity were found guilty of hazing and involuntary manslaughter in 2015.
Another lawsuit was filed against the University of Florida and its Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity by the family of Andrew Coffey, who died after a hazing event involving excessive alcohol consumption in 2017. The lawsuit alleged that the fraternity's hazing rituals led to Coffey's death.
In 2019, a hazing lawsuit was filed by the family of Matthew Ellis, a student at Texas State University who died from excessive alcohol consumption during hazing activities. The lawsuit charged four individuals with a hazing-related death, demonstrating the legal consequences that can arise from dangerous and negligent hazing activities.
These lawsuits highlight the devastating impact of hazing deaths and the importance of holding individuals and organisations accountable for their role in these tragic incidents. While universities struggle to prevent hazing, it is crucial that they take proactive measures to protect their students and create a safe campus environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Hazing is any activity that intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into a group, whether or not the group is officially recognized by the university. Hazing often involves excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, humiliation, and physical abuse.
Universities play a crucial role in preventing and addressing student hazing deaths. While hazing is prohibited by universities across the United States, it continues to occur due to a lack of effective prevention and enforcement measures. Universities can improve their response to hazing by implementing anti-hazing policies, educating students and parents about the dangers of hazing, encouraging students to report incidents, and providing support and resources for those affected.
Hazing is illegal in most states, and those found guilty can face fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. In some states, hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death is considered a felony. However, the lack of formal tracking and reporting of hazing incidents makes it difficult to fully understand the prevalence and impact of hazing in universities.
