5 insights to help you recognize hazing
College is full of opportunities to meet new people and join groups, and sometimes the pressure to fit in can lead groups to put new members at risk of harm.
Here are some things to know about hazing.
1. Hazing is harmful—even if someone agrees to it
Hazing is any activity that a person is expected to do to join or stay in a group that could humiliate, degrade, abuse or put them at risk—physically or emotionally.
Just because members choose to participate doesn’t make it okay. Harmful actions are still harmful, even if they’re framed as “traditions” or “part of the process.”
If you are a leader of a group, it's helpful to assess your mission and goals to ensure traditions or optional activities that promote community don't inadvertently cause harm.
2. Hazing takes many forms
Having standards and expectations to be part of a group is important for creating a positive community. Sometimes, these expectations go too far and endanger the health and safety of members. Group expectations can end up taking over someone’s schedule and can make them feel like they must put the group before everything else—classes, friends or even their own well-being. Being accepted into a group shouldn’t mean crossing boundaries or sacrificing what’s important.
Here are some examples of what hazing can look like in real life.*
Intimidation
- Deception, secrecy, coercion
- Assigning demerits
- Demeaning and targeted name-calling
- Forced social isolation
- Expecting certain items to always be in your possession
- Ignoring members
- Duties that are unfairly assigned
- Trying to instill fear in members
- Depriving members of privileges
Harm to well-being
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or implied threats
- Requiring members to wear embarrassing attire
- Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual simulation or harassment
- Questioning or interrogation under pressure
- Requiring new members to perform personal service to active members or alumni (like carrying books or running errands)
- Required singing, chanting or performing in unusual places like the classroom or at an unrelated game or event
- Depriving members of basic needs, like food and water
Violence/physical harm
- Forced consumption/overconsumption of alcohol, drugs, food, etc.
- Beating, paddling or other forms of assault
- Branding
- Water intoxication
- Abduction/kidnapping
- Sexual assault, including unwanted touching or penetration, including oral, anal, vaginal, with a body part or objects
- Forced tattoos or body piercings
- Enduring harsh weather without appropriate clothing or protection
*(Allan, 2015; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander)
It’s important to realize that some groups may pressure members to keep everything about their initiation process or team-building activities secret—even the things that make some members uncomfortable or cross a line. Speaking up about hazing, even if it means going against the group, helps create a safer environment for everyone and stops these behaviors from continuing.
3. Hazing can happen in any kind of group
Whether formal or informal, social or academic, hazing can be used in many different types of student groups, including sports teams, academic clubs, social groups and organizations, and other types of group environments.
It’s important to think about the kinds of organizations you want to be part of and what you’re hoping to get out of those experiences. Taking a moment to reflect can help you figure out what kind of friendships, values and experiences you want in college. It also helps you set boundaries around what you’re comfortable doing to be accepted into a group.
4. Recognizing hazing helps you support others
Hazing can be a sensitive topic, especially if someone has been subjected to degrading, humiliating or violent behaviors and activities.
Here are some things you can do to help someone who may be experiencing hazing.
Learn to identify hazing activities
Knowing what hazing looks like can help people understand what’s okay and what crosses the line. To help identify if an action may be considered hazing, ask the following questions:
- Is the activity someone is required to do required for initiation into the group?
Could this cause harm, including feelings of embarrassment, humiliation or degradation?
- Are people involved being pressured or coerced to participate?
- What will happen to someone who doesn’t want to participate?
Take note of changes
Hazing can cause someone to experience physical, emotional and psychological distress. Here are some signs that can indicate someone may be experiencing hazing:
- Prioritizing group/membership activities over other areas in their life (like school, relationships, etc.).
- Expressing fear or hesitation about what might happen to them if they don’t participate in a specific group activity, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
- Changes to their behavior or mood, including feeling down, anxiety or restlessness.
- Missing class, work or outside social events.
- Describing “traditions” that sound unsafe, coercive or harmful.
- Changes to sleep habits, including fatigue.
- Posting concerning or odd things on social media.
- Being secretive about group membership or “traditions.”
5. Talking about hazing can make a difference
Recognizing and speaking up about hazing is key to making our campus a safer, more welcoming place for everyone. When students look out for each other and take steps to stop harmful traditions, it helps build a community where respect and support come first.
If you’re worried about a friend who might be the target of hazing, here’s how you can reach out and support them:
- Be genuine—let your friend know that you care and that you’ve noticed changes. For example: “You seem super busy with your group lately, how are things going?”
- Share what you’ve observed, like mood changes or missing class. Sometimes, people don’t realize that what they’re experiencing could be hazing.
- Listen openly. Let friends know that you are open to talking about things that may feel tough to discuss or when they fear they'll be judged.
- Remind them hazing is never okay and that it’s not their fault if it’s happening to them.
- Help them explore their options, whether it’s reaching out for help, stepping away from the group or reporting the issue. Let them know there’s more than one way to get support.
- Keep checking in. Not everyone is ready to take action right away, but your support can make all the difference when they’re ready.
Find support
Whether you or someone you know is struggling with hazing or group practices, there are support resources available. For more information, you can also check out StopHazing.org.
Don’t Ignore It
Explore your options for seeking confidential support, reporting concerns and learning skills for helping others. If something seems off, it probably is—don't ignore it.
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive event. This includes hazing.
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR)
If you or someone you know has experienced hazing, you can file an anonymous report with SSCR.
Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS)
SOAS provides individualized support to students. Case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.