SUNY Geneseo values the principles of excellence, community, diversity and integrity. When we take active steps to prevent and stop hazing, we are standing up and assuming the responsibility to live the values of SUNY Geneseo. We are creating an environment that allows each one of us to flourish.
2. Most people feel that:
1) it is important to live in a safe community
2) it is important to help someone in need
3. SUNY Geneseo values the principles of
excellence, community, diversity and
integrity. When we take active steps to
prevent and stop hazing, we are standing
up and assuming the responsibility to live
the values of SUNY Geneseo. We are
creating an environment that allows each
one of us to flourish.
4. Target Outcomes:
Improve your ability to clearly define hazing.
Increase your knowledge of how to safely prevent hazing
in your organization.
Increase well-being and safety at SUNY Geneseo by
promoting the idea of being heroic by standing up for one
another.
5. What is HAZING?
HAZING means any act, explicit or implicit,
committed by a person, whether individually or in
concert with others, against a student in connection
with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with,
holding office in, or maintaining membership in any
organization or team and which is intended to have
the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to
have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or
demeaning the student or endangering the mental or
physical health of the student, regardless of the
person's willingness to participate. Hazing also
includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise
participating actively or passively in the above acts.
http://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/policies_procedures#hazingpolicy
6. New York State Hazing Law
§ 120.16 Hazing in the first
degree.
A person is guilty of hazing in the
first degree when, in the course of
another person’s initiation into or
affiliation with any organization, he
intentionally or recklessly engages
in conduct which creates a
substantial risk of physical injury to
such other person or a third person
and thereby causes such injury.
Hazing in the first degree is a
class A misdemeanor.
§ 120.17 Hazing in the second
degree.
A person is guilty of hazing in the
second degree when, in the course
of another person’s initiation or
affiliation with any organization, he
intentionally or recklessly engages in
conduct which creates a substantial
risk of physical injury to such other
person or a third person.
Hazing in the second degree is a
violation.
7. SUNY Geneseo Hazing Policy
Geneseo's Student Code of Conduct states that all members of the college community are required to
abide by the statutory Rules of Public Order (Section 6450) of the New York State Education Law which
specifically states:
No person, either singly or in concert with others shall...
Take any action, create or participate in the creation of any situation which recklessly or intentionally
endangers mental or physical health or which involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the
purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
http://www.geneseo.edu/handbook/policies_procedures#hazingpolicy
Hazing means any act, explicit or implicit, committed by a person, whether individually or in
concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating
with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization or team and which is
intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of,
humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health
of the student, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Hazing also includes
soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above
acts. (Approved by College Council Feb. 17, 2012)
8. College Hazing Statistics
http://www.insidehazing.com/statistics_25_high.php
1. More than 250,000 students experienced some sort of hazing to join a college athletic team.1
2. 5% of all college students admit to being hazed.2
3. 40% admit to knowing about hazing activities.2
4. 40% report that a coach or club advisor was aware of the hazing.2
5. 22% report that the coach or advisor was involved in the hazing.2
6. 50% of the female NCAA Division I athletes reported being hazed.3
7. More than 20% of female NCAA athletes were subjected to alcohol-related hazing; however even a higher percentage
admitted to "mental hazing" which ranged from singing to being kidnapped.3
8. 10% of the female NCAA athletes were physically hazed including being branded, tattooed, beaten, thrown in water or
having their head forcibly shaved.3
9. 6-9% of the female NCAA athletes were subjected to sexually related hazing including harassment, actual assault or
being expected to simulate sex activities.3
Key
1. Alfred Univeristy Study, Dr. Norm Pollard,
Dr. Elizabeth Allen, et. al, 1999
2. National Study of Student Hazing (prelim),
Dr. Elizabeth Allen and Dr. Mary Madden 2006
3. Dissertation, Dr. Colleen McGlone, 2005
4. Insidehazing, Dr. Susan Lipkins, 2006
9. CHECK IN
(True or False)
TF 1. It is not considered hazing if a new member willingly
participates in an activity.
TF 2. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.
TF 3. Hazing includes any intentional or reckless act directed
against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating
with, or maintaining membership in any school sponsored
activity, organization, club or team.
TF 4. 40% admit to knowing about hazing activities
1)False
2)True
3)True
4)True
11. SUBTLE HAZING:
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Termed “Subtle hazing” because these types of hazing are
often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or
meaningless.
Some Examples:
• Assigning demerits
• Silence periods with implied threats for violation
• Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
• Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
• Socially isolating new members/rookies
• Line-ups and Drills/Tests on meaningless information
• Name calling
• Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles
(e.g. “Mr.,” “Miss”) while they are identified with demeaning terms
• Being singled out
12. HARASSMENT HAZING:
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in
order to feel like part of the group.
Some Examples:
• Verbal abuse
• Threats or implied threats
• Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
• Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
• Expecting new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such
as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning etc
13. VIOLENT HAZING :
http://www.stophazing.org/hazing-information/types/
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or
emotional, or psychological harm.
Some Examples:
• Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
• Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
• Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
• Water intoxication
• Expecting illegal activity
• Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection
14. Bystander Effect - Death of Matthew Carrington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt_ZtfhQ094&feature=related&noredirect=1
15. Myth #1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently
documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults,
professional schools and other types of clubs and/or, organizations. Reports of
hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.
Myth #2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others --- it is victimization.
Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and
often life-threatening.
Myth #3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be
O.K.
Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent" safety may still be a factor in traditional
hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious
accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides,
what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development
of group team members?
Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT HAZING:
16. Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely
report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of
victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
Myth #5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be
considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing consent of the victim can't be used
as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate
in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the
peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
Myth #6: It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing-
-it's such a gray area sometimes.
Fact: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense.
Adapted from Death By Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT HAZING:
17. CHECK IN
(True or False)
T F 1. A little hazing never leads to bigger hazing.
T F 2. Hazing can build team unity.
T F 3. Hazing is just foolish pranks.
T F 4. Hazing and bullying have immediate and long-term
consequences.
1)False
2)False
3)False
4)True
18. The world is a dangerous
place to live; not because of
the people who are evil, but
because of the people who
don't do anything about it.
Albert Einstein
19. The Bystander Effect:
The phenomenon in which someone is
less likely to intervene in an emergency
situation when others are present than
when he or she is alone.
20. Heroism is the active attempt to
address injustice or create positive
change in the world despite pressures to
do otherwise. It may involve coping
effectively in unclear or emergency
situations, helping others in need, or
may involve setting and achieving goals
to promote the well-being of others.
http://heroicimagination.org/welcome/future-of-heroism/
http://heroicimagination.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/The-Banality-of-Heroism.pdf
22. CHECK IN
(True or False)
T F 1. Bystanders can help others in need.
T F 2. Heroism is the active attempt to address injustice or
create positive change in the world despite pressures
to do otherwise.
T F 3. Every “ordinary” person can prepare to be an
everyday hero.
1)True
2)True
3)True
23. What you can do:
1. Commit not to be hazed and not to haze others.
2. Say something when you see something wrong.
3. Ask a professor/staff, peer or family member for
help.
4. Hold each other accountable for being respectful.
5. Be heroic by standing up for others.
24. As a student organization leader at SUNY
Geneseo, I agree to assume the responsibility to
live the values of the College by PREVENTING
and STOPPING hazing when I see it and/or am
aware of it. As a member of the Geneseo
community, I pledge to do my part to build an
inclusive, positive, respectful and civil community.
I am a Hero-in-Waiting. I will act heroically when
my time comes.
Take the Pledge to Stand Up
25. All SUNY Geneseo organization/club
presidents and treasurers must complete the
form at the link below in order to maintain
College Registration:
http://go.geneseo.edu/HazingP
reventionStudentOrgs
26. If we lose the ability to
imagine ourselves as heroes,
and to understand the
meaning of true heroism, our
society will be poorer for it.
Franco and Zimbardo
27. SUNY Geneseo Resources
Geneseo Stand Up Webpage http://www.geneseo.edu/standup
Geneseo Hazing Brochure http://www.geneseo.edu/webfm_send/7454
In an emergency contact: University Police 585-245-5222
Dean of Students: 585-245-5706
Student Conduct and Campus Standards: 585-245-5714
Greek Affairs office: 585-245-5968
Student Life Office: 585-245-5851
Athletics Director: 585-245-5345
You can also discuss hazing related events with a Resident Director,
Faculty, or Staff member.
29. References
Coloroso, B. (2003). The Bully, the Bullied, and the
Bystander. Harper Collins
Lipkins, S. (2006). Preventing Hazing: How
Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Can Stop the
Violence, Harassment, and Humiliation. Jossey-
Bass
Nuwer, H. (2000). High school hazing: When rites
become wrongs. F. Watts.