Hazing Again?
Just Saying . . .
What a tough topic. The definition of hazing is easy, but nothing is easy after that. Definition: Being subjected to harassment or ridicule. Every few years hazing comes to the forefront. It never seems to go away. We have to be more honest about the environments and the dynamics that encourage hazing.
With the Northwestern University sports scandal, hazing is in the news again. Many students have stepped forward, even filing lawsuits. Hazing can be subtle, but can also be violent. Many college students have died from hazing. There has been at least one university hazing death each year from 1969 to 2021. There have been 40 hazing deaths between 2007 and 2017 alone. Alcohol poisoning is the biggest cause of hazing deaths.
What can be done? I am not an expert, but after supervising kids for 40+ years, I have a thought or two. First, I think two things ought to be understood. All organizations (Fraternities, Football Teams, or Chess Clubs) have and even need ‘Induction Ceremonies’ or ‘Freshmen Initiations’. In other words, how are new members accepted into the group? Two, we need to accept the proposition that there is a human need to ‘Rank’: Seniors vs Freshmen, Veterans vs Rookies, the Big Guy vs the Not So Big, Skilled vs Not-Skilled, Popular vs Not-So-Popular, Boss vs Rank and File, White Collar vs Blue Collar, etc. As a social unit, this ranking practice is dynamic and will continue. In fact, it could be argued that even the lower-ranked person benefits from having a clear idea of where he or she fits in. Therefore they can develop a plan for change, (if that is what they want).
So, if induction ceremonies or rites of passage are needed, and we accept that social ranking is going to happen, those in power need to control the process.
“OK Seniors, you can have a “Freshman Induction Week, but you Will Not haze. Here are the guidelines.”
The ‘ceremonies’ have to be done in an appropriate way. It is similar to principals saying, “OK seniors you can have a Senior Skip Day, but this is how it will be done.” or “OK Seniors you can do an end-of-the-year prank, but here are the guidelines.”
If the ‘Top Guns’ on a sports team continue to haze, the penalties must be severe. The Chain of Command (coaches) must be held to “Mandated Reporting”, and if they do not report the President of the College or the Superintendent must take action.
Think of your club/team initiations when you were young or not so young. Freshmen had to put up the equipment, underclassmen had to get in the back of the line, they had to carry the water, and got the old/ugly uniforms. Plus, only the seniors got the backseats on the bus (a big deal on road trips). Did we call these hazing? Is it subtle hazing? Coaches have to make decisions and monitor closely. If the lowly freshmen are to put on funny costumes and sing the school song, do it at a pep assembly (something public). I remember a bunch of us in high school wearing silly wigs at a school assembly dancing to a popular song. It was a lot more fun than embarrassing. Absolutely NO locker room or shower weirdness.
Plus, the underclassmen, especially freshmen, should be given a voice. Like the class reps in high school. The administration visits with them independently at times. Have the coaches do the same and give the kids without a voice a voice. So, if stupid stuff is going on it is more likely to be brought to the surface quickly.
In summary, we need to: Understand the social nature of inductions, establish clear guidelines, closely monitor, establish mandated reporting, and have serious penalties. Are these ideas new or perfect? NO, but they are better than just saying, “Stop Hazing!”, and then continuing to look the other way (lip service). Once the idea of ‘Ceremonies YES, Hazing NO’ is established and closely monitored maybe we can finally put this topic to rest.
