Hazing activities are generally regarded as actions that are physically or emotionally abusive, sexually violating, and/or hazardous. The specific behaviors encompassed within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings. Hazing behaviors can be divided into the following three subcategories based on the severity of the behaviors involved.
Examples of Hazing
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and other members of the group. These types of hazing activities are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics.
Examples of Subtle Hazing:
Ignoring new members
Name calling
Any forms of demerits
Progress reports for new members
Requiring the formal addressing of members (Mr/Miss/Sir)
Duties only assigned to new members
Requiring new members to carry handbooks and obtain signatures of members or others
Trying to instill fear in new members for initiation or other group events
Depriving new members of privileges
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies.
Examples of Harassment Hazing:
Verbal abuse
Any form of questioning under pressure or uncomfortable situation
Requiring new members to wear ridiculous costumes or perform ridiculous activities
Requiring new members to perform personal service to active members/veterans such as carrying books or running errands
Violent Hazing
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.
Examples of Violent Hazing:
Forced alcohol consumption
Forced ingestion of any liquid or substance
Sexual violation
Assault including paddling, beating, burning, and branding
Lehigh University does not tolerate any type of hazing whether it be subtle, harassment, or violent hazing. If you believe you have been hazed or have witnessed hazing, please complete our Report Hazing form.
Source: Adapted from stophazing.org.