FRATERNAL HEALTH & SAFETY INITIATIVE 

Hazing Prevention & Intervention

Values are woven into the founding philosophies of fraternities and sororities.

Hazing is a direct contradiction of these values. Some argue that members who are hazed are more likely to be involved for a lifetime, unified as a group and strengthened individually through proving themselves. While there is some truth to this, it’s not in the way one might think. Research shows that hazed individuals have the same sense of attachment that abused children have to their abusive parent, battered spouses have to their brutal partners, or a hostage has to his/her captor.1

Knowing this, our fraternity and sorority members are committed to eliminating hazing cultures, and focus on creating healthy, long-term relationships. Learn more about this comprehensive, research-based set of materials that equips chapter members with the necessary tools to implement a positive member experience.

Hazing Prevention FAQs

  • Fraternities/Sororities are values based organizations and do not tolerate any form of hazing.
  • Hazing is a violation of the Fraternity’s/Sorority’s policy, college/university policy and is illegal in 44 states.
  • Hazing takes various forms, but typically involves physical risks or mental distress (i.e., humiliation, intimidation, demeaning treatment, etc.).
  • Hazing can cause significant harm to individuals, families, groups and the Fraternity/Sorority.
Hazing individuals, regardless of their membership status, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Teambuilding exercises such as ropes courses, university-sponsored programs, and/or those found in the fraternity’s/sorority’s official program materials promote more positive ways of bonding and cooperation.

Sources: 1 Keating, C., Pomerantz, J., Pommer, S., Ritt, S., Miller, L., & McCormick, J. (2005). Going to college and unpacking hazing: A functional approach to decrypting initiation practices among undergraduates. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 9(2), 104-126.

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