Athletics, Clubs, & Intramural Sports

Respect for others is a principle that our Lehigh community holds dear, as do most high functioning and admirable organizations. For athletic teams, respect for each other, for opponents, for officials, for the rules of the sport, and for the privilege of competing is a core value without which our programs cannot be justified as educational, developmental, or contributing to the quality of the Lehigh experience. Hazing is not tolerated at Lehigh University, and will result in the loss of participation privileges.

At A Glance

51%

of Lehigh student athletes report experiencing hazing behaviors

73%

of Lehigh student athletes believe that hazing is not an effective way to initiate new team members

94%

of Lehigh student athletes believe that they do not need to be hazed in order to feel like they are a part of their teams

Read Lehigh University’s Hazing Assessment Analysis (PDF)

What Is Hazing?

Lehigh University defines hazing as

Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.

Learn more about hazing activities and their consequences >

NCAA University defines hazing as

Any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities. Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are absent.

Source: hazingprevention.org

Hazing: Common Factors

Power differential between those in a group and those who want to join a group, or between senior and junior members of a group
Intentional initiation rite, practice or ‘tradition’ involved
Willingness to participate does not absolve responsibility for either party