Hazing Introduction
Hazing has been a part of many student organizations for a long time. It is a tradition that is difficult to stop and/or change. Hazing is not just a sorority or fraternity problem. It is a problem on athletic teams (both NCAA, and Club Sports), the band, honorary organizations, academic organizations as well as Inter-fraternity council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multi-cultural Greek Council organizations. Any organization that has requirements for membership or a pledge period or probationary period is at risk for hazing. Unfortunately, hazing can be a problem at any college or university, including the University of Florida.
Hazing can be relatively minor or extremely serious, even life-threatening. There are countless cases over the years and across the country where students have died as a result of hazing. Some of the most common incidents involve forced consumption of large quantities of any liquid - from alcohol to milk to water.
Hazing activities can also be intended to create embarrassment or humiliation. Many times, hazing is done under the guise of creating a stronger sense of belonging through a shared experience. There are many problems with this philosophy:
- Most of the time, the actual activities change from year to year as each initiating group wants to out-do the other. In effect, the only shared experience is among the individual pledge class.
- Instead of fostering a stronger sense of belonging, these type of activities foster cliques, as each entering group has their own unique experience. Depending on the severity of the hazing behaviors, the closer the initiating group will be and the more distant and even dislike for the older members this group will have.
- The activities can get in the way of successful academic pursuits. Examples include being forced to be up all night in service to the membership such as cleaning, chores, designated driver programs.
- The activities can be dangerous. Forced physical activity, paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, milk, water or other combinations of things. Students will sometimes agree to do anything because the drive to fit-in, make friends or be a member of this particular organization is so strong.
Hazing is insidious in nature. It can start as a relatively harmless activity such as asking all potential new members to carry a small pebble around with them to symbolize the foundation of the organization. The next group decides to out-do the first group and asks everyone to carry around a rock. Eventually, new members end up carrying around a backpack full of bricks. Be aware of the activities you are asking your potential new members to do and why.
Here at UF, we are striving to be a hazing free university. This is only going to happen with the cooperation of all involved; potential new members, members and leaders of all student organizations, organizational advisors, coaches, faculty, staff and parents. Together we can make this campus a hazing free zone.
If you become aware of a hazing incident or are concerned that what is being asked of you may be hazing, please report it to either the organizational advisor, the University of Florida Police Department or Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Remember, by reporting hazing violations you are not only helping yourself, you are also helping the organization and possibly saving a life.