Why Hazing Is Difficult to Prevent

While many campus members associate hazing with college fraternities or athletics, hazing takes place across the entire campus. One significant study found that 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations have experienced hazing. Even more troubling is that 40% of college students reported that a coach or advisor knew about hazing incidents. 

Unfortunately, a wide range of hazing behaviors-from intimidating to harassing to violent-often makes it difficult to recognize. Further complicating matters is the fact that many students view hazing as no big deal or good-natured fun. These attitudes and beliefs can create a systemic, self-perpetuating problem.

The Impact 

Hazing creates an environment that threatens students' sense of belonging, inclusion, and well-being. Gone unchecked, hazing behaviors can carry over into our workplaces as students graduate thinking that these are acceptable ways to build and lead teams. 

Not only does hazing harm individual students, but it also impacts the institutions and organizations themselves through negative publicity and increased liability. Lawsuits related to hazing have caused institutions between thousands and even millions of dollars in settlements.

Prevention

Building an evidence-based, comprehensive hazing prevention program on college campuses requires a commitment to programming, policies, critical processes, and institutionalization.

Vector Solutions' offers hazing awareness and prevention programming for students, faculty, and staff that builds knowledge around the spectrum of hazing behaviors so campus members can recognize signs that hazing is occurring. Our training also provides visibility into the risks associated with hazing, increasing students' and employees' likelihood of reporting hazing events.