The week of Sept. 23 to 27 marks the annual Hazing Prevention Week. Hazing involves the practice of harassing, abusing or humiliating an individual or group as part of an initiation process into an association or organization, leading to harmful consequences, even death.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Investigation and Research Specialist for the Office of General Counsel Jared Boyer spoke in Allison Great Hall regarding National Hazing Prevention Week, discussing the legal risks and ramifications of hazing.
A violent hazing ritual, referred to as “Bloody Monday,” took place at Harvard University in 1827. A game between sophomores and freshmen led to a violent event which turned into an annual tradition. On a field, both classes were separated to opposite ends to compete in athletic games. Freshmen were subjected to brutal hazing by upperclassmen. Beaten, intimidated and forced to participate in dangerous activities, this practice earned its name due to the blood and injuries that came as a result. These acts raised a major concern for the University and caused wide-spread attention towards hazing practices.
At the University of Cornell, 18 year old Mortimer Marcellus Leggett was killed during a hazing. Pleading to the Kappa Alpha Society, he was blindfolded and marched into a narrow trail in the countryside, expected to find his way back to campus. Leggett suffered a fall into a hidden cliff wall and died on impact.
Hazing is led by a desire to fit in, fear of rejection and the perceived interest in forming strong bonds or ties between group members. Hazing leads to negative impacts on mental health, relationships, academic performance and social well-being, yet it continues to persist. Many individuals are affected by bystander apathy. Bystander apathy is a social psychological theory where individuals are less likely to help a victim in a crowded area compared to a solitary one. Often the desire of wanting to be in a group makes it difficult to prevent this issue.
Preventative measures for hazing include exploring ways to encourage bystanders to take action, such as providing clear guidance on how to help. It is also important to investigate the role of social norms and group dynamics in shaping bystander behavior.
To stand against hazing, Jared Boyer, an investigation and research specialist, spoke upon the Step Up! Method, a type of bystander intervention. This method goes as follows: notice the event, interpret whether it is a problem, assume personal responsibility, know how to help and implement the help.
If you see any signs of hazing please make a report to any of the following: Department of Public Safety (DPS), Council of Fraternities (COF), Panhellenic Council Advisors or Resident Life. Anonymous tips can also be made to DPS through Anonymous Tips on the Dickinson website. An anonymous tip should not be sent if the state or emergency requires immediate response. In general, the first priority is to call 911 immediately towards emergencies.
