Hazing Prevention Resources

The Book
Hazing Prevention Resources

Zero Hazing Tolerance

Acts of hazing can generally be grouped into three different categories:

Students may perceive group activities in this category as harmless or even fun for the members. The key concept of subtle hazing is the presence of a power differentiation between the new members and returning members of the group. Consequently, returning members cannot be certain if new members willingly participate in activities that are specifically for new students to the group. Such programs usually involve tasks that place the new members in a position of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation. Examples of subtle hazing include:

Requiring new members to “greet” other members in a specific way and/or referring to new members in a demeaning way
Being required to remain silent or being silenced with implied threats for violation
Socially isolating new members in such ways as being required to walk in groups around campus or associating with specific people and not others
Requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to other members
Line-ups, drills, or any form of meaningless questioning with or without the presence of a pressured situation
Assigning demerits
Being required to carry certain objects
Name-calling
Deception
Embarrassing oneself
Performing special tasks in front of others or for others
Being singled out

Although new members are not recognized as a protected class, the same concepts of harassment found in the college policy apply to this category of hazing. Harassment includes actions that have the effect of creating a hostile and intimidating environment sufficiently severe or pervasive to substantially impair a reasonable person’s participation in college programs or activities, or use of college facilities. Examples include:

Verbal abuse such as being yelled, cursed, or sworn at
Threats or implied threats
Partial or total nudity (including stripping)
Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating attire
Expecting new members to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, running errands, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Sleep deprivation
Sexual simulations
Expecting new members to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness
Being expected to harass others, e.g. making prank phone calls
Intimating to new members what might happen at initiation

Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional or psychological harm. Examples of violent hazing — or acts that could lead to violent hazing — include:

Forced or coerced alcohol or drug consumption, including drinking games or contests
Consumption of excessive amounts of any substance (including water, milk, alcohol, etc.)
Eating or drinking unwanted or vile substances
Throwing substances such as food, oil, syrup, flour, or gasoline on an individual
Destroying or vandalizing property
Excessive exercise or calisthenics
Stealing, cheating, or committing a crime
Body alterations, including inflicting pain on self, cutting, branding, tattooing, piercing, or shaving
Beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault
Being tied up, taped up, blindfolded, or confined
Exposure to extreme heat or cold
Abuse or mistreatment of animals
Being thrown into a body of water
Not allowed to attend school or complete school work
Deprivation of food, sleep, or cleanliness
Being kidnapped
Being transported and abandoned
Physical and mental exhaustion
Sexual harassment and/or assault

Students who have athletic, music, or leadership roles that place them in a position of representing St. Olaf College should be conscious of individual or group behaviors that might embarrass themselves, their organization, or the college. The ability to post information with or without permission can easily compromise individuals. Examples include but are not limited to emailing, texting, and participating in social networking platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Yik Yak, Instagram, Tindr, etc.).

St. Olaf College does not place any restrictions on the use of these media. However, we remind you that as a leader in the St. Olaf community, you are a representative of the college and are often in the public eye.

We advise all St. Olaf students to exercise extreme caution in their use of social networking.

20221012-FSR_9335 — Proactively using these five suggestions will build a positive culture while providing you with tools to lead your group with confidence and integrity:

What students want and need most are positive, responsible, and proactive peer leaders who will not plan or permit any hazing. Current leaders can make significant contributions to long-term success by being clear in their own words and actions, as well as investing the time to develop newer members into strong leaders who aren’t afraid to step up and speak out against hazing.

Some people believe that hazing promotes group unity. It does not. Hazing undermines unity. Group cohesion should be one of your goals as a leader and there is a variety of positive team-building ideas that leaders can use, including group meals, movie nights, ropes courses, camping trips, recreational sports, team-building challenges, etc.

Make sure that team members know in no uncertain terms, through your words and actions, that hazing will not be tolerated at St. Olaf. Let your members know that as a leader you are held accountable, and as such you are holding them accountable to prevent hazing. Make it clear that hazing is taken seriously, and that consequences are real.

Hazing Prevention Resources

Zero Hazing Tolerance

The Hazing Spectrum

We advise all St. Olaf students to exercise extreme caution in their use of social networking.

Five Steps for Preventing Hazing in Your Organization