🚫 HAZING EXAMPLES

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Hazing can take many forms, and it is impossible to list every possible behavior because many are context-specific. What’s important to remember is that hazing is rarely just one incident. More often, it’s a series of escalating behaviors—starting with subtle acts that may seem harmless, moving into harassment that causes stress or humiliation, and sometimes progressing to violence that puts students at real risk.

The following examples are grouped into three main categories: Subtle Hazing, Harassment/Harm to Well-Being Hazing, and Violent Hazing. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides common examples of how hazing shows up.

These activities emphasize a power imbalance between new members and existing members. They are often overlooked as “normal” traditions but are harmful, humiliating, and create an unsafe culture.

• Deception (lies, tricks, dishonesty)
• Assigning demerits
• Demeaning names or name-calling
• Socially isolating new members
• Silence periods with implied threats for violation
• Line-ups, drills, or meaningless tests
• Expecting members to always carry certain items
• Deprivation of privileges given to others
• Required calisthenics (sit-ups, push-ups, etc.)
• Performing unnecessary duties not required of existing members
• Forced group walking (to class, cafeteria, etc.)
• Assignment of meaningless or impossible tasks
• Required “greetings” for members on campus

Emotional distress or physical discomfort.

• Verbal abuse/threats
• Embarrassing clothing or skits
• Personal errands & cleaning
• Sleep deprivation
• Sexual simulations
• Forced confinement
• Pranks or humiliation

Serious risk of harm.

• Forced alcohol/drug use
• Beatings or assaults
• Branding, burning, cutting
• Compelled sexual activity
• Public nudity
• Illegal acts or abductions
• Extreme weather exposure

✅ Would I tell my family?
✅ Does it cause distress?
✅ Would an administrator disapprove?
✅ Is it illegal or unsafe?

👉 When in doubt, walk away — and get help.