Hazing violates both ߲ݴý policy and New York State law. The University is committed to openly discussing hazing to overcome the secrecy that perpetuates its practice.
Hazing is an act of control over others that feels abusive or embarrassing and can be life-threatening. Hazing takes various forms, typically involving physical risks or mental distress through humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment.
Although initiation practices can help new members become part of a group, they should not involve hazing.
Hazing is any action or situation that:
“Subtle” hazing refers to activities that are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. There is an emphasis placed on a power imbalance between new members and other members of the organization, thus leading to activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect, and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule or embarrassment. New members often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the organization. Examples include:
“Harassment” hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. (Note: Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing.) Examples include:
“Violent” hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It often includes activities that tend to be the most extreme types of hazing. Examples include:
Being part of a campus group can be a life-changing and positive aspect of the student experience. ߲ݴý University features hundreds of clubs and organizations that can be fun, educational, and transformational for their members.
Hazing undermines the value of these experiences and puts students at risk. Students should not be deterred from engaging with their peers in campus organizations by fear of hazing but should be vigilant in recognizing hazing risks and practices. No one should be subjected to hazing as a condition for acceptance into a group, and students are encouraged to report any incident they experience or witness.
Hazing is a violation of ߲ݴý University policy and New York State Law. Learn more about applicable policies and laws in the Student Handbook. The consequences for perpetrators of hazing may include prison sentences and civil liability depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Groups that violate the university hazing policy will forfeit recognition of their organization as noted in the relationship statement.
In addition to university policy and state law, the national/international organizations governing fraternities and sororities may impose sanctions of these organizations, independently or in concert with the University. Consequences may include the disbanding or recolonizing of the chapter.
Hazing does not necessarily involve alcohol use by either current or new members; however, alcohol consumption often is either a central or contributing element.
Alcohol frequently plays a role because:
Many perpetrators often turn to intoxication as a defense, pointing to their inebriation as an excuse — "we were drunk and things got out of hand."
Another common argument employed by those accused of hazing is that they did not "force anyone to drink." Comments such as "No one poured it down their throats," and "They could have walked out at any time" ignore the reality of coercive power in groups and the fact that psychological force can be as strong as physical force.
These defenses are neither valid legally, nor valid in ߲ݴý disciplinary hearings.
When hazing involves alcohol, there are significant risks, including premature death.
Rapid consumption of large quantities of alcohol can kill by suppressing brain functions:
One in 10 college or university students report worrying that they might have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. New member processes that involve alcohol pose extra risk for students with alcohol problems.
In some cases, members are either unaware of such risks or recklessly disregard them. By creating conditions where it is difficult for a person with an alcohol problem to decline to drink, the group contributes to the person's problem.
In addition to increasing their own risk of the acute and long-term individual consequences described above, members who haze risk harming others and bringing sanctions upon themselves or their organization. When the members of a group that is hazing become intoxicated, they may make disastrous decisions. Impaired judgment can turn a premeditated act of hazing into a tragedy. One of the biggest challenges with hazing is that it gets out of hand, and what begins as an innocent prank can lead to disaster.
Students involved with hazing are significantly more likely to have a lower grade point average (GPA). This is because activities such as sleep deprivation, loss of time management, and stress can all contribute to decreased scholastic performance.
Whenever a person is severely intoxicated, it is imperative that someone call 911 for medical assistance. Every student should be familiar with the signs of alcohol poisoning and ߲ݴý's Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan protocols.
It is never worth risking someone's life for the sake of the group. When someone does the right thing and calls for help, ߲ݴý administrators consider the act of calling a mitigating circumstance when determining any sanctions that might apply to an organization. Not calling is an aggravating circumstance that may result in more severe sanctions.
Adapted from