College Hazing: What it is & How You Can Stay Safe

Hazing is on the rise—here's what you need to know.

From 2000 to 2021 at least 50 college students have died from hazing—and those are just the reported instances. The number could potentially be as high as 105.

Due to the strong code of silence from most organizations, this old college tradition is wildly underreported. But as more students find the courage to speak out, more rigorous legislation is in effect in order to curb the dangerous practice, hopefully once and for all.

In this article, we'll answer any questions you might have about hazing. It's time to put a stop to this outdated tradition on college campuses.

What is hazing in college & what to do if you're being hazed

What is hazing?

According to The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, Michelle A. Finkel, MD, defines hazing as this. "Committing acts against an individual or forcing an individual into committing an act that creates a risk for harm in order for the individual to be initiated into or affiliated with an organization."

Unfortunately, though, this term doesn't have any one universal definition. This makes it difficult for students to know if they're victims or not. This also makes it increasingly difficult for educators to know when to step in or for the university to track instances accurately.

What are the different types of hazing?

There are countless ways someone can experience hazing, although some methods are more prevalent than others. Here are the most common types experienced by college students, according to a recent study:

• Participate in a drinking game: 26%

• Sing or chant by self or with others: 17%

• Associate with some people and not others: 12%

• Drink large amounts of alcohol to get sick or pass out: 12%

• Deprive self of sleep: 11%

• Screamed, yelled, or cursed at by other members: 10%

• Drink large amounts of non-alcoholic beverages: 10%

• Awakened at night by members: 9%

• Attend a skit or roast with humiliation involved: 6%

• Endure harsh weather without appropriate clothes: 6%

• Perform sex acts with the opposite gender: 6%

• Wear embarrassing clothing that is not part of a uniform: 6%

Remember, these are only the reported instances. Most acts go unreported by students. It's important to note no U.S. health agency tracks incidents of hazing.

Sorority & fraternity hazing

While hazing can happen upon acceptance and entry into any organization, most times it statistically occurs within Greek life.

A recent study found 76% of hazing-related deaths occurred within fraternities. More data collected from a different study found that the students who were most likely to engage in the practice were male, white, and a member of a fraternity.

Another study done in the early 2000s found that more than 1 in 4 (26%) undergraduate students drank large amounts of alcohol (to the point of getting sick or passing out) as part of initiation into a fraternity or sorority. Additionally, more than half (53%) reported that drinking games were part of the process.

What are the effects of hazing?

Hazing affects everyone involved: the hazed and hazer, included. There are a wide range of potential consequences, ranging from physical to emotional and psychological.

Common forms of physical hazing include binge drinking, sleep deprivation, enduring harsh weather, and even performing sexual acts. In more severe instances, beatings, burnings, branding, and even abduction have occurred.

For psychological effects, there's a wide range as well. There's a loss of autonomy, strained relationships, and declining grades. All of this contributes to worsening mental health. Some students have even reported the effects of PTSD.

Finally, there have been instances of death due to hazing. 105 college students in the last 23 years have died as a result of the practice. From the reported deaths:

• 60 involved alcohol

• 11 involved car accidents

• 7 were suicides

• 6 involved a fatal fall

• 6 involved sleep deprivation

Is hazing illegal?

The legality varies from state to state. Currently, 44 states have anti-hazing laws in effect.

Of the 44 states, 30 include what's known as a "component of consent." This states that a person's willingness to participate does not determine if the hazing did or did not happen.

The six states that do not have any laws about the tradition are Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming. However, every state on this list except Alaska is currently pushing for tougher legislation statewide.

What to do if you're being hazed

Although you might logically know what hazing is, it isn't always to recognize it in the moment. Think you're being hazed? Ask yourself these questions:

• Would I feel uncomfortable participating in this activity if my parents were watching?

• Would we get in trouble if a school or college administrator walked by and saw us?

• Do I need to keep these activities a secret?

• Am I doing anything illegal?

• Does participation in this activity violate my values or those of this organization?

• Is this causing emotional or physical distress or stress to myself or to others?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions, you're likely being hazed.

The most important thing to do is speak up. Talk to your friends and family about what's happening and let them know what's going on. You should also refuse to participate and report anything suspicious taking place.

How to report hazing in college

We get it—reporting something shady going on isn't the coolest thing to do, but it's incredibly important. Obviously, if someone is in life-threatening danger, call 911 immediately.

If it's not an emergency situation, there are other people to contact:

• Student Affairs Office at your school (Student Life, Dean of Students, etc.)

• Campus Security of University Police

• College President's Office

• Student Health

• Local law enforcement

Call the anonymous Anti-Hazing Hotline at (888) 668-4293, or (888) NOT-HAZE