What is Hazing?

Research indicates that many students experience hazing in junior high or high school because of participation in athletic teams, social groups, extracurricular activities, or other types of group-based gatherings. Students may expect acts of hazing to continue on college campuses as they regard it as a normal part of group membership.

Members of the group often view hazing as a way to build loyalty to the organization. Specific acts of hazing are often viewed as part of an organization’s tradition that must be completed by new members to join or fit into the group.

There are some forms of hazing that have a very low risk of injury. Examples include requiring new members to:

• Show up at a specific place on campus each day to participate in a line up
• Memorize facts about members of the organization
• Run errands or perform favors for members (cleaning their apartment, serving at parties, etc.)
• Doing craft projects at a member’s apartment
• Being required to sleep in uncomfortable conditions with other new members off-campus and not being allowed to return to their residence hall

These types of low-risk activities may be used early in the new member process to reassure members that nothing really bad will happen to them. However, in many instances, higher-risk activities are added later after new members become fully committed to finishing the process. Additionally, low-risk activities can become high-risk if they gradually take more of the new members’ time, cause sleep deprivation, interfere with academic obligations, etc.”

Students who experience hazing are at risk of physical or emotional injury. One source of risk comes from the use of alcohol in hazing activities. New members who are drinking look the coordination, balance, and perceptual skills necessary to perform activities that they could normally accomplish. Their judgement is impaired in a way that might cause them to overestimate their ability to perform the required tasks. Alcohol use may impair the judgement of the members leading the hazing activity. This could result in unrecognized or underestimated risks associated with certain activities.

Not everyone who is hazed will experience emotional injury, but it can occur because of a new member’s personality, personal history, or past traumas. Some acts of hazing are designed to humiliate new members; it is impossible to predict who might experience lasting effects from these acts.

A student may choose to endure hazing for a variety of reasons. A common reason is that the student is told that the hazing will end soon and they believe they can tolerate it for that period of time. Another common reason is that the student is told that the other new members will be punished if anyone drops out. Examples of punishment include verbal abuse, physical assault, and social ostracism. Finally, the student may be willing to endure acts of hazing to find a sense of belonging in the group and enjoy the associated benefits.

Regardless of specific reasons, students experiencing hazing often feel like quitting isn’t a realistic option.

• Common signs of hazing include:
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• Appearing exhausted or unwell
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• Wearing clothes or a haircut that is abnormal or unusual (e.g. shaved head, filthy/unwashed clothes)
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• Unplanned and unexplained expenses or a sudden need for money.
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• Strange injuries and/or explanations from injuries that don’t make sense
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• Sudden and unexplained changes in routine
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• A student suddenly becomes very hard to reach and/or spends little time in their residence halls (even at times when they would normally sleep).

If you know someone who may be experiencing hazing, you can ask them about it. Be sure to approach this conversation in a caring and supportive manner. The student may open up and tell you about their experience. However, they also may shut down or tell you everything is fine. Don’t be discouraged if the student doesn’t want to talk about it; talking about experiences of hazing can be difficult.

SUNY Brockport has a zero-tolerance policy for acts of hazing. Hazing is against the law and a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. If you become aware of an act of hazing, you are encouraged to report it to one of the following offices:

• Student Union, Leadership & Activities: (585) 395-5646
• Student Conduct Office: (585) 395-5172
• University Police: (585) 395-2226

These offices can provide help, support, and resources to students who experience acts of hazing.