Is this Hazing?
What is hazing? It’s a spectrum of behaviors and/or activities that aren’t always obvious. It includes things that vary in severity and impact. It can be things that are commonly known to be hazing such as requiring excessive drinking, activities that are likely to cause physical harm or injury, things that could be considered “punishments”, actions that are also illegal, and more.
But it can also be things that are more subtle or gray. This might include activities that cause discomfort or embarrassment, where participants are told to keep things “secret”, or maybe it’s something the participant wouldn’t want a grandparent or a future employer to know about. While many organizations have enduring “traditions” which are benign and fun, some may be considering hazing. Just because it’s “always” been an activity of the organization, or just because other members have been required to participate in the past, it doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.
The Spectrum of Hazing
The Spectrum of Hazing is a research-based resource developed by StopHazing researchers, Dr. Elizabeth Allan & Dr. Dave Kerschner. It tells us that hazing generally falls into 3 categories: intimidation, harassment, and violence. Some of the more common examples in each of these areas include, but are not limited to:
INTIMIDATION
- Lies, tricks or dishonesty,
- Assigning demerits or punishments,
- Silence periods with threats for violations,
- Socially isolating new members,
- Using demeaning names, and
- Expecting members to have or carry specific items with then at all times (or at times that are not reasonable).
HARASSMENT
- Verbal abuse,
- Threats (including implied),
- Asking new members to wear embarrassing clothes or other items,
- Asking new members to act as personal servants to current members,
- Skits with degrading or humiliating acts,
- Requiring participation in events that cause fear,
- Sleep or sensory deprivation,
- Physical activity that subjects people to risk of harm, including exposure to elements, confinement in small spaces, calisthenics, etc. and,
- Sexual simulations.
VIOLENCE
- Forced or coerced consumption of food, drink, alcohol or drugs,
- Forced ingestion of vile substances,
- Water intoxication,
- Beating, paddling, whipping, typing up, or other forms of physical assault,
- Branding,
- Abduction or "kidnapping" and,
- Sexual assault.
In general terms hazing includes:
- Any activity that intimidates, demeans, embarrasses, or threatens the person with ostracism,
- Any activity that subjects the person to stress, shame, or humiliation,
- Any activity that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the person,
- Any activity that discourages the person from entering or remaining registered at Idaho State University,
- Any activity that interferes with academic pursuits or normal life functions,
- Any activity that causes or requires the person to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of ISU policies, state or federal law.
If you aren't sure whether the activity of which you have have knowledge meets this criteria, please contact the Dean of Student Office at deanofstudents@isu.edu or 208-282-2794, or submit a Hazing Report in an abundance of caution.
