Signs of Hazing and What to Do

Everyone needs to be a partner in combating hazing - family, friends, advisors, faculty, roommates and coaches. Look and listen for signs of hazing. Report any inappropriate bahavior or concerns about activities to college personnel.  Incidents of hazing at the College of Saint Benedict can be reported to the human rights officer, dean of students, director of residence life, or the director of security. Incidents at Saint John's University can be reported to the human rights officer, dean of students, associate dean of students, or the director of life safety services.

When you joined your team or organization, you may have had some idea that some hazing may happen. Maybe, it's gotten to be more than you expected.  In any case, it's never acceptable, and you should not put up with it.  The problem is that you still want to be a member and don't want your friends to get into trouble. You can always try talking to an older member or an organization advisor that you trust.  Encourage others who are being hazed to stick together. There is no way that any team or organization wants to or can afford to lose all of its new members.  Please remember that you're not doing anyone a favor by remaining silent. It's not surprising that hazing activities will eventually come out.  The result of that could mean serious injury to someone and/or the end of your team or organization.

Questions you should ask yourself to determine if you or someone you know might be getting hazed:

• Is there secrecy around the activity?
• Is there pressure to participate?
• Is a specific group or individual singled out?
• Do members justify it as being a "tradition?"
• Take the perspective of your parents - would they be proud?  Your Coach?  Athletic or Recreation Director?  The college President?
• Would you be willing to defend the merit of this activity in the court of law?
• Does this activity meet the spirit of it's intent, the ideals and values of the team and the college?

Here are some signs an individual may exhibit that could indicate hazing:

• Required to carry certain items
• Cutting, branding, labeling, or shaving of parts of the body
• Required "greeting" of members in a specific manner when seen on campus
• Required walking in groups to class, food service, etc.
• Performing of special tasks for the members or others
• Appearance of sadness or expressions of inferiority
• Withdrawal from normal activities or friends