Hazing: Issues, Policies, and Resources I. Introduction: Hazing at Princeton .................................................................................................... 2 II. Princeton’s Hazing Policy .................................................................................................................. 4 III. Resources for Students .................................................................................................................... 6 Do Your Part: A Guide for Student Groups against Hazing ....................................................................... 7 Is It Hazing? ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Common Unacceptable Practices ....................................................................................................... 10 Evaluating Your New Member Activities ............................................................................................ 11 Have Fun, Be Safe ............................................................................................................................... 13 Moving Forward .................................................................................................................................. 16 Is my friend being hazed? ....................................................................................................................... 17 Myths and Facts About Hazing ............................................................................................................... 18 1 I. Introduction: Hazing at Princeton Hazing is a critical issue at Princeton, as at all residential colleges and universities nationwide. In recent years, tragedies stemming from hazing activities at many of our peer schools have made headlines.1 Hazing has been connected with other dangerous and anti-social activities. Social science research suggests that hazing is enabled by the same social power dynamics that lead to and promote sexual misconduct and high-risk consumption of alcohol, and that requiring, encouraging, or intimidating new or prospective members to drink or perform sexual acts are two of the most frequent hazing activities among college students.2 And yet, students at many universities attest that hazing often goes unrecognized as such. Outreach by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students suggests that hazing at Princeton may be influenced by the following perceptions and misperceptions that are unique to our culture: Competition. Princeton has a variety of student organizations that require audition or recruitment processes. Because there are so many talented individuals on campus, often spots for performance, athletic, or social groups are limited. This high stakes sense of competition may lead to an atmosphere where more intense recruitment or initiation practices occur, often crossing the line into hazing. “Tradition.” Because the University itself and many of its student organizations have a long history, students may tend to justify certain initiation activities as “tradition.” This misguided emphasis can put new or prospective members of these groups at a higher risk of hazing. Pressure to “consent.” In their social/residential lives as well as their academic experiences, many Princeton students aspire to maintain an appearance of effortless perfection. Despite the fact that “consent” is not a defense to hazing, some students will acquiesce in activities that are potentially daring, embarrassing, or uncomfortable rather than risk their reputation by objecting. Some students may also be unwilling to be perceived as victims, arguing “I went along with it willingly” or “I wanted to do it” in order to maintain an illusion of control over the situation. 1 E.g.: Michael Winerip, “When a Hazing Goes Very Wrong,” The New York Times, April 12, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/education/edlife/a-hazing-at-cornell.html retrieved February 1, 2016; Richard Perez-Pena, “Dartmouth Cites Student Misconduct in its Ban on Liquor,” The New York Times, January 29, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/us/in-response-to-student-misconduct-dartmouth-to-ban-hard- liquor-at-parties.html retrieved February 1, 2016. 2 Elizabeth Allen and Mary Madden, Hazing in View: College Students at Risk. Rep. N.p.: Stop Hazing Organization, 2008. Print. 2 Pressure to “measure up.” Misperceptions about “tradition” and the concern with effortless perfection may give rise to unhelpful fictional comparisons between a current Princeton student and older students or alumni/ae. Students report hearing their peers justify participation in hazing by saying: “If ____ could handle it, I can handle it too,” or “If ____ did it, it can’t be that bad.” Timing. Certain times of the year on the Princeton calendar correspond with students’ acceptance to clubs, teams, or other organizations. September, February, and April are characterized by high social pressure and students may see an uptick in hazing activities at these times of the year. Lack of awareness. Despite all of the above, Princeton students may mistakenly believe that because hazing has such a strong association nationwide with Greek life, hazing is not an issue at Princeton, which does not recognize Greek organizations or permit freshmen to affiliate with them. Likewise, because hazing is sometimes associated with athletic teams, students may not understand that hazing can occur in any type of student organization. Students who experience hazing here may use different terminology to explain these activities, or may excuse or explain away experiences that don’t fit neatly into how they conceptualize hazing. For the same reasons, even well-intentioned leaders of teams, clubs, and student organizations may be unaware that their new member program or “initiations” activities are unacceptable. Summary: Hazing is a serious problem among all college students, and takes on certain distinctive characteristics at Princeton. Active communication and education about this issue, in a way that addresses challenges unique to Princeton, are needed in order to prevent hazing. 3 II. Princeton’s Hazing Policy Rights, Rules, Responsibilities 2.2.7 states: 1. Any student shall have the right to be free of all activities which might constitute hazing, while attempting to become a member of a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, student organization, eating club, or other campus organization. Organizations, their members, and their prospective members are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging others to engage in activities that are defined as hazing. 2. A broad range of behaviors that may place another person in danger of bodily injury or behavior that demonstrates indifference or disregard for another person's dignity or well-being may be classified as hazing. Examples include but are not limited to the following: (a) forced or required ingestion of alcohol, food, drugs, or any undesirable substance. (b) participation in sexual rituals or assaults. (c) mentally abusive or demeaning behavior. (d) acts that could result in physical, mental, or emotional deprivation or harm. (e) physical abuse, e.g., whipping, paddling, beating, tattooing, branding, and exposure to the elements. What are the consequences of hazing? A range of penalties including disciplinary probation and campus service may follow, and students have been suspended for hazing under this policy. The Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline and the Residential College Disciplinary Board adjudicate and mete out penalties for acts of hazing. Here are some common misconceptions about the University’s hazing policy: Myth: We told the freshmen that they didn’t have to [streak, drink, shoplift, etc.] if they didn’t want to, so it’s not hazing. Fact: There is no “consent” defense to hazing. 4 Myth: If we just threaten to haze them, but don’t actually do anything, that’s not a violation. Fact: The Committee on Discipline has sanctioned students for threatening others with hazing, even when no other behaviors meeting the definition of hazing have followed. Myth: Only the people organizing a hazing activity can be punished for it, not the people participating. Fact: It is a violation to “engage in” hazing, as well as to “encourage others to engage in” hazing. 5 III. Resources for Students Developed by a Princeton undergraduate, this section includes three resources for students who are committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment for their peers, free of hazing. Do Your Part: A Resource for Student Groups Against Hazing This guide is a resource for student leaders who are wondering how hazing policy could impact their club, team, or organization. It includes an evaluation of current practices, 65 creative alternatives to hazing, and considerations when creating a new/prospective member itinerary. Is My Friend Being Hazed? This document describes common signs indicating that a student may be experiencing hazing. Myths and Facts About Hazing This document debunks common misconceptions about hazing. This is a resource both for students and coaches/administrators who want to know how to understand and address hazing. 6 Do Your Part: A Guide for Student Groups against Hazing Princeton is committed to protecting the wellbeing and safety of those who wish to join a student organization, team, or club. Hazing is a real problem that may cause long-term physical and psychological effects. This guide is meant as a resource to