Beyond the Haze
What is hazing? Many would answer this question with stereotypical horror stories they’ve heard or read about Greek life on college campuses. But hazing is much broader in scope and affects more people than that. Because hazing is present in countless situations that are not always easily identified, the first step to prevention is informing the public about what hazing is and what it is not, and how everyone can help prevent it.
Here at Georgia Southern University, Hazing Prevention Week is a time to increase hazing awareness among faculty and students alike. During Hazing Prevention Week 2014, several events helped enlighten faculty and students, as members of Greek Life led information sessions and hosted exhibit booths. Attendees were able to sign a pledge against hazing, while Georgia Southern expressed its overall dedication to the cause.
In order to effectively prevent hazing we must first define it. Most people are unaware of how broad the definition of hazing is, or the fact that hazing is actually illegal. Officially, hazing is “any action or situation created intentionally that is humiliating, embarrassing, or ridiculing and/or risks emotional or physical harm regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.” One of the biggest issues with hazing is identifying it once it’s occurred. Most people who have been subjected to hazing do not even consider it that. For example, many organizations force new members into performing menial or demeaning tasks, working harder, or are considered “beneath” current members of the group or organization. On the surface these acts are ‘not a big deal,’ but there are often long-term effects that run much deeper and can have lasting negative consequences.
Although the University has always been staunchly against hazing, this was the first year Hazing Prevention Week was conducted on such a large scale. Tracy Maxwell, founder of HazingPrevention.org, and one of the most well-known and important voices in the hazing prevention movement came to Georgia Southern for Hazing Prevention Week to share her own hazing experience. During her speech, Maxwell told a story about being a camp counselor and how she was hazed the first week as a new member of the staff.
Everyone’s perception of an activity varies depending on his or her background. The psychological damage of hazing is commonly overlooked, and even downplayed. Hazing can be overwhelming and often goes unreported, which is why Georgia Southern is determined to inform students and to prevent hazing from occurring on campus or in the local community.
The act of hazing is often downplayed as “traditions” or customs. Quite often alcohol is used as a tool to “initiate” freshman or new members of Greek organizations and also sports clubs. A common misconception about hazing is that Greeks are the leading group who use such tactics, when this distinction actually belongs to athletes, athletics teams and other sports organizations. In fact, theater and band groups are the second most likely to haze new or potential members. In November, a former Florida A&M University band member was convicted in the 2011 hazing death of a bandmate. Since 1970, at least one person each year has died as a result of hazing—80 percent of which were alcohol related. Georgia Southern is already taking steps toward controlling underage drinking, and alcohol abuse by students.
Education is only the beginning. Action must be taken to prevent hazing. Maxwell explained the fear factor involved in hazing. She said: “In the human brain people need to feel included just as much as they need air. The idea of being left out can often alter someone’s decision making in favor of the crowd rather than themselves.”
Georgia Southern University is definitely leading the effort to prevent hazing. Each campus organization must sign a pledge not to haze, or allow themselves to be hazed. This is a commitment Georgia Southern insists all of its students uphold as Eagles. During Hazing Prevention Week, SGA President Azell Francis said, “The prevention of hazing is really important because it relates to the safety of our students here at Georgia Southern, and at Georgia Southern we pride ourselves on taking care of our families and taking care of our Eagles. It is the obligation of all of us here at Georgia Southern to make this a safe and welcoming campus.”
As students, administrators, faculty, and parents get involved, there is hope that hazing practices can end. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is determined to make the safety and well being of Georgia Southern students a top priority. Hazing education and prevention is not limited to Hazing Prevention Week. Students are encouraged to speak up to faculty if they see signs of hazing or feel they are being hazed. No one has to stand alone. Hazing Prevention Weeks will go on each year here at Georgia Southern in the hope that more people will join the cause and keep all Eagles safe.
– Daja Hansel-Coates