Hazing Prevention

What is Hazing?

First, ask yourself … could it be hazing?

  • Did the incident involve physical abuse?
  • Sleep deprivation, physical strain, hitting/slapping?
  • Was alcohol consumed? Drugs?
  • Would the student be willing to describe the event to the President or in a public forum?
  • Was safety at risk? Could it have been?
  • Was there an injury?
  • Is there the possibility of psychological effects from the event?

The Spectrum of Hazing™

Gradient line with arrows on each end designating Low Recognition (grey) on the left and High Recognition (red) on the right

Intimidation

Low Recognition/High Frequency

  • Deception
  • Assignment of demerits
  • Silence periods with implied threats for violation
  • Social isolation of new members
  • Use of demeaning names
  • Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession

Harassment

Mid Recognition/Mid Frequency

  • Verbal abuse
  • Threats or implied threats
  • Asking new members to wear embarrassing attire
  • Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Sexual simulations

Violence

High Recognition/Low Frequency

  • Forced alcohol or drug consumption
  • Beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault
  • Branding
  • Forced ingestion of vile substances
  • Water intoxication
  • Abduction/kidnapping
  • Sexual assault
 

Gradient line with arrows on each end designating High Frequency (red) on the left and Low Frequency (grey) on the right

Allan, 2005; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander® Stop Hazing logo with red stop sign cut off

* The Spectrum of Hazing™ | StopHazing | Hazing Prevention Resource

We know that

  • In 95% of hazing cases, students who were aware they were hazed did not report it.
  • In 25% of hazing cases, coaches or advisors who were aware of hazing incidents did not report them.
  • For every 10 students being hazed, only one of them realizes that they have been hazed.

Detecting Signs of Hazing (pdf)

Hazing Policies

Student Code on Hazing

Hazing: any action taken, or situation created (1) for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in, a group or organization; and (2) to produce physical discomfort or injury, mental discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule. Such actions or situations may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; personal servitude; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; wearing of apparel which is conspicuous or not in good taste; engaging in public stunts; degrading or humiliating games and activities; or any activities which are not consistent with the academic mission, organizational ritual or policy, or applicable state or local law. Hazing may occur regardless of a person’s willingness or consent to participate in the activity.

State of Illinois Law, Hazing Act

Sec. 5. Hazing. A person commits hazing who knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution if:

  1. the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and
  2. the act results in bodily harm to any person.

How to Report

If someone is injured or doing something illegal, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait, this action could save someone’s life.

How to report at the University of Illinois:

  • Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR): This unit is responsible for all investigations and adjudication of violations of the Student Code of Conduct. How to report something to OSCR.
  • Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (FSA): Our office can take initial complaints regarding concerns over hazing. Any information collected by our staff will be reported to OSCR for them to conduct a formal investigation. Contact the FSA office.
  • University of Illinois Police: You can report items to the police.

Reporting hazing externally:

It is important to know that any of the following methods of reporting hazing IS NOT considered reporting to the University of Illinois. This external reporting system does not ensure that the University of Illinois will be notified. If you would like the University of Illinois to investigate your concern then you should report to either the Office for Student Conflict Resolution, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, or the UI Police Department.

Hazing Resources

On Campus Resources:

External Resources: