What action do you take if you experience or witness hazing?
For many people who have been hazed or have witnessed the act of hazing, it can be difficult to speak up. Knowing the resources and possible methods you can take can help save a pledge from trauma.
Supporting source for rallying philosophy: Virginia Student Health Edu.
In many situations, those who are getting hazed choose to not speak up about the things that are happening to them. A study performed by Elizabeth Allan, a professor from the University of Maine, reported that almost 95% of hazing cases go unreported. It can be difficult to tell others, especially when it is usually frowned upon by the fraternity that is doing the hazing. If you notice that a friend of yours has been struggling during their pledging process, politely reach out to them.
In a recent Rochester College article, it was mentioned that it is important to not be forceful when asking someone if they have been dealing with hazing. Many pledges may feel uncomfortable discussing what has been done to them, as they may see them as embarrassing stories. Simply have a toned down conversation with them letting them know you can help them if they ever feel that they are being excessively hazed.
Most Universities around the United States offer Greek life of some kind. You can emphasize to friends that it is not out of the ordinary to feel the way that they do. Thousands of pledges each year drop their fraternities after hazing. Letting a friend know that he is not alone can encourage them to speak up about what has happened to them.
If you have been hazed yourself there are many options available. If you ever feel there is an extreme immediate threat to your safety, call the local police department. College campuses work closely with local police departments. Some colleges even have their own police force, such as FSUPD at Florida State University. Officers can refer you to other resources that specialize in these situations. They also have the power to investigate the situation and hold those hazing accountable.
If you don’t feel comfortable getting the police involved, you can speak to University officials. Many schools have anonymous reporting. FSU makes it as easy as reporting the hazing through email. They can then follow up with you about the situation. Many students may not feel comfortable talking to University officials about such a personal problem.
If speaking to others about your problem is not effective, the best course of action is to drop the fraternity. This is easier said than done, but it can help in the long run. There are likely others in the group who will leave with you. Greekchat, a organization that composes articles and blogs on greek life, reported that almost 10-15% of pledges drop during the initiation phases. Dropping a fraternity does not make you weak, but instead shows your integrity. If dropping the fraternity is not an option for you, try and rally with other members and refuse hazing. It may work or it may not, but strength in numbers is often effective. Whether you are the person who is being hazed or just someone who has witnessed how hazing has effected a friend, there are plenty of resources you can point to.