Hazing Definitions and Examples

Categories of Hazing:

Hazing typically falls into three main categories: subtle hazing, harassment hazing, and violent hazing. Each categories involves different levels of psychological or physical harm. Following are descriptions and selected examples for these three categories of hazing: subtle, harassment, and violent. 

Subtle Hazing 

Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and existing members, often normalized as "tradition" or "rites of passage." These may not seem harmful but can create an environment of inferiority and pressure. 

Examples: 

  • Ignoring new members
  • Name calling
  • Any forms of demerits
  • Progress reports for new members
  • Depriving privileges granted to other members
  • Requiring new members to perform tasks not assigned to current members
  • Name calling
  • Quizzing/drills on meaningless information
  • Socially isolating new members
  • Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession

 

Harassment Hazing

Harassment Hazing Behaviors that cause emotional distress, embarrassment, or ridicule but don't involve physical harm. These actions are more overtly demeaning or intimidating.

Examples:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Asking new members to wear humiliating attire
  • Requiring new members to perform humiliating acts
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Sexual simulations
  • Interfering with personal hygiene schedules
  • Treats or implied treats
  • Expecting new members to do chores or personal favors for existing members

 

Violent Hazing

Activities and/or behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm. These are the most dangerous and are often illegal.

Examples:

  • Forced or coerced into alcohol consumption, drug consumption or consumption of a vile substance
  • Beating, paddling, burning, branding or other forms of assault
  • Water intoxication
  • Exposure to extreme weather without appropriate clothing or protection
  • Abduction/kidnap
  • Public nudity
  • Bondage
  • Expecting illegal activity

 

Adapted from stophazing.org (http://www.stophazing.org/).

Report Hazing

UMD provides an online reporting system for reporting concerns about hazing. If you would like to consult on a situation, contact the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution (OSCCR):