Anti-Hazing Guide
Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person, which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties or sleep deprivation, which may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student seeking admission or affiliation with any student organization.
Hazing is against the Union University Values Statement which upholds the worth of each individual student. Personal abuse is defined by the university as "any behavior that results in harassment, coercion, threat, disrespect and/or intimidation of another person. This action may include action or statements that cause damage or threaten the personal and/or psychological well-being of a person. Inappropriate narrative on a personal blog (e.g. Myspace, Facebook) may be considered personal abuse.
Anti-Hazing Guide (.pdf) Title IX Incident Report Form
Hazing Myths
Hazing is only a problem for fraternities or
sororities
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents
have been frequently documented in the military,
athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults,
professional schools and other types of clubs and/or
organizations.
Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that
sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over
others- it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and
NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and
often life-threatening.
As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing
should be O.K.
Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may
still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are
considered to be "all in good fun." For example,
serious accidents have occurred during scavenger
hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do
such activities serve in promoting the growth and
development of group team members?
Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and
develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED- not
taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect
for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms
of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and
alienation.
If someone agrees to participate in an
activity, it can't be considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing,
consent of the victim can't be used as a
defense in a civil suit. This is because even if
someone agrees to participate in a potentially
hazardous action it may be not be true
consent when considering the peer pressure
and desire to belong to the group.
It's difficult to determine whether or not a
certain activity is hazing-it's such a gray area
sometimes.
Fact: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is
hazing if you use common sense and ask
yourself the following questions:
- Does this activity add to the worth and growth of the individual?
- Would you be willing to invite your chapter advisor or coach to the activity?
- Would you be willing to invite a university faculty member or administrator to this activity?
- Would you be prepared to go to court to defend the merit of this activity?
- Would you participate equally in the activity?
- Can this activity be written into your new member manual and shared with other chapters, leadership consultants, and university administrators?
Did you know?
Under Tennessee state law, those charged with hazing are automatically charged with assault. Organizations caught hazing are at risk of permanent expulsion from Union University.
If you think hazing is fun, think again. Hazing is against state law. Hazing is against Union values. Hazing is inconsistent with Biblical guidelines. Hazing damages self-respect, self-esteem, and integrity. It hinders scholastic achievement, creates embarrassing situations, causes emotional strain, and poses a risk of bodily injury or death.
For More Information
For more information on hazing, possible penalties for hazing, and alternatives to hazing, please contact:
- Bryan Carrier, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
731.661.5090
bcarrier@uu.edu - Joe Ball, M.Div.
Director, Student Leadership and Engagement
731.661.5094
jball@uu.edu