It can be exciting time for students to join new teams, clubs, and groups at their college or university; they get to meet people, try new things, and gain the opportunity to participate in long-standing traditions that will define their personal college experience. While a zany ritual or ceremony might serve as a bonding experience and a fun memory, it should never involve acts that have the potential to cause harm to anyone. The act of hazing can be disguised as a “tradition” in many organizations, but it’s one that should not be allowed to endure any longer.
What is hazing?
Hazing involves subjecting new members of a group or team to degrading, humiliating, or risky (and sometimes dangerous) behavior, whether they agree to participate or not. Hazing activities are carried out in a group setting and can cause serious physical injuries, as well as long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act
Hazing has been a part of many college histories for generations – and many innocent young people have paid the price. Clery Center and StopHazing, alongside other advocacy and parent groups, have lobbied for widespread change on this crucial issue for years. In response to this, the 118th Congress introduced the Stop Campus Hazing Act and designated September 25th-29th as National Hazing Awareness Week. It is a fitting time considering, on September 24, 2024, the bipartisan Stop Campus Hazing Act passed the House of Representatives and has now advanced to the Senate for consideration.
This poignant legislation will require that colleges and universities across the nation educate students about the hazards of hazing and hold groups that engage in hazing activities accountable for their irresponsible behavior. If passed, this bill will amend the Clery Act to include provisions intended to protect students from the dangers of hazing. Colleges will be required to:
- Include reports of hazing in their Annual Security Report (ASR).
- Educate students on hazing by implementing campus-wide prevention programs.
- Publish their hazing prevention policies online, as well as post a list of organizations that have violated them.
There is currently no standardized policy or process to track hazing at institutions of higher learning. The Stop Campus Hazing Act aims to provide students and their families with current hazing report information at any U.S. college or university.
Hazing is not a new problem – and it is still one that desperately needs attention. Join us by reaching out to your Senators to urge them to support the Stop Campus Hazing Act and help keep students safe!