Hazing
What is Hazing?
Nebraska State law defines Hazing as any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership with any organization. Such hazing activity includes whipping, beating, branding, an act of sexual penetration, an exposure of the genitals of the body done with intent to affront or alarm any person, a lewd fondling or caressing of the body of another person, forced and prolonged calisthenics, prolonged exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or harmful substance not generally intended for human consumption, prolonged sleep deprivation, or any brutal treatment or the performance of any unlawful act which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any person or the coercing of any such activity. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.06)
Hazing Examples
Depending upon circumstances, the following activities have at one time or another, been construed by the courts and/or institutions of higher education as hazing. Such activities are often required or implied as conditions of inclusion or exclusion from a group, formal or informal. Hazing, therefore, may be perpetuated by individual(s) against individual(s), individual(s) against the group, the group against individual(s) or group against group.
“PT” (Physical Training): requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, running or any form of physically abusive or excessive exercise; any physical action or restraint that may reasonably inflict harm or pain on an individual(s) or place them in a position or situation of possible harm or threat.
Forcing, requiring, recommending and/or coercing consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other kind of drug; requiring ingestion of an undesirable or unwanted substance (food, drink, concoction).
Harassment or bullying, whether verbal, mental or physical, of individual(s) or group(s).
Scavenger hunts that require or result in theft; dangerous activities, and/ or kidnapping.
Endorsing or conducting pranks such as stealing items, destruction of property or objects, pulling false fire alarms, or any other activity in violation of the law.
Personal servitude (excessive or inappropriate chores, errands, etc. for the group(s) or individual members).
Sleep interruption or deprivation; conducting activities that do not allow reasonably adequate time to study.
Degrading, humiliating or significantly embarrassing games or activities.
Line-ups or any interrogation for information about the history, purpose or direction of the organization that is not consistent with legitimate testing.
Forced isolation from other members, friends or the rest of the campus. This includes any prohibition on speaking or social interaction (including public marching or walking in lines or “online.”)
Deception and/or threats contrived to convince the pledge he/ she will not be able to join the organization or that inflicts mental stress by not revealing the requirements or basic timetable for joining.
Hazing Myths
Adapted from: Allan and Madden, Hazing in View: College Students at Risk, Initial Findings from the National Study of Student Hazing (2008), hazing.cornell.edu and stophazing.org
Myth #1: Hazing is a problem primarily for fraternities and sororities.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, professional schools and other types of clubs, and organizations. Data shows that 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations experience hazing
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others. It creates victims, not stronger people. It is premeditated and in no way accidental. It is abusive, degrading and can be extremely dangerous.
Myth #3: As long as there is no malicious intent, a little hazing is alright.
Fact: You and/or your organization can still be found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct whether or not you had malicious intent or positive intentions. Life-threatening incidents have occurred during “good intentioned” scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips.
Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: Respect must be earned, not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.
Fact: Under Nebraska law and under the Code of Student Conduct, consent of the victim cannot be used as a defense. Even if someone agrees to participate in the hazing activity, it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and the desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: Hazing is the only method for holding new members of the organization accountable.
Fact: While holding new members accountable may be important, you can do so without hazing. Effective parents, teachers and bosses all know ways to hold others accountable without humiliating, degrading or physically hurting them.
Myth #7: “Hell weeks”/“Initiation Weeks” create a climax to the new member program and develop a true appreciation of initiation.
Fact: During “Hell Weeks” or “I-weeks” or among any group that has an intense activity before initiation, there is often a lack of sufficient sleep/nourishment, a great deal of strenuous activities, and exposure to mental and physical harm. The student is robbed of the true meaning and appreciation of the mission, purpose and values of the organization, while also being exposed to dangerous activities. These weeks or programs can also be very detrimental to the student’s academic achievement. If the group needs this week or activity to unify its new members, it points to a flaw in the regular new member education program. Unification and bonding should have already been accomplished.
Myth #8: It’s tradition. It’s not hazing.
Fact: Some people defend their activities as being time honored tradition that somehow prepare new members for life challenges. "Tradition" does not justify subjecting new members to mental or physical abuse. Traditions are created by groups, and groups hold the power to change or eliminate them. It only takes one year and often one strong member to break a hazing tradition.
Myth #9: Our organization operates by the motto "If it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger."
Fact: If this statement was true 100% of the time, then many illegal activities would be prescriptions for personal growth. While it’s true that difficult situations can help individuals grow and prepare for life's challenges, many experiences that don't "kill" nevertheless do severe damage because of their psychological or physical impact.
Trainings
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- Welcome Week Training with incoming students
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Possible Warning Signs of Hazing
Hazing can happen to anyone, at any point in their membership experience. Some signs that hazing might be occurring can include:
- Concerning mood changes
- Decreased communication or changes in communication habits
- Avoidance of non-group members
- Mental or physical exhaustion
- Disheveled appearance or wearing the same clothes daily
- Lack of appetite
- Non-attendance in class
- Declining grades
- Unusual photos or other posts on social media
- Depression, mood swings, lack of enthusiasm for “usual” activities
- Unusual injuries
- Carrying things in pockets or backpacks that are not “usual”
- Increased incidents of alcohol or drug intoxication
- New tattoos, other marks, shaved or cut hair
Most hazing is reported by friends and bystanders. A student who is worried that a friend is being hazed should talk with them directly about what they’ve observed of the friend’s physical or mental health, share counseling and reporting resources, and follow up if worries persist.”
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Violations
Violations for the past five years
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