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Hazing Prevention

Fraternities & Sororities

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Hazing is inconsistent with the values inherent in fraternities and sororities as well as the values of Lehigh University. Join us in the creation of a culture where hazing is not tolerated in the Lehigh community.

Our Purpose

The fraternity and sorority community has had a long-standing history at Lehigh University. Our first organization was founded on campus in 1872, only seven years after Lehigh University’s founding, and continues to grow. The purpose of these organizations is to develop students holistically across their founding principles that foster leadership, service, scholarship, integrity, and friendship.

In alignment with those principles, it is the expectation of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (OFSA) that all members of the community (students, advisors, and alumni) uphold and integrate the meaning behind their organization’s unique rituals and values throughout their daily lives. It is also expected that these organizations uphold federal, state, and local ordinances as well as University policies. Policies include, but are not limited to, those of Student Conduct and Community Expectations as well as the Principles for our Equitable Community.

At A Glance

>78%

of Lehigh students participating in Greek life believe that hazing related activities occur at this university

56%

of Lehigh students participating in Greek life have experienced hazing

88%

of Lehigh students participating in Greek life believe that they do not need to be hazed in order to feel like they belong to a group

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.

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

Learn more about hazing activities and their consequences >

Source: hazingprevention.org

Hazing Hurts

Generally, individuals within chapters with hazing cultures, regardless of age or status, have the same incorrect perceptions when asked about hazing practices: 

  • “It’s tradition” 
  • “No one will get hurt”
  • “It’s funny – what’s the problem?”
  • “They like it; they said it was okay”
  • “It’s okay if they don’t complain”
  • “It helps build team cohesiveness and unity”
  • “I went through it, it’s a rite of passage”

Remember and consider – Hazing Hurts.

Source: Adapted from My Journey from Being Hazed, to Being an Enthusiastic Hazer, to Stopping Hazing.

Hazing in New Member Education

Hazing does not achieve

  • Discipline
  • Bonding or togetherness
  • Group strength
  • Respect for members
  • Better performance in any activity

Hazing Creates

  • Distrust and anger
  • A power trip for the perpetrator
  • Humiliation
  • Abuse
  • Victimization
  • Injuries and sometimes even death

If your chapter has a hazing problem, please consider being a leader who stands up, says “No more” and stops the hazing. Your chapter will become a better place because of your actions.

Source: Adapted from Audio Conference, 2006 and My Journey from Being Hazed, to Being an Enthusiastic Hazer, to Stopping Hazing.