College is back in session and with comes new reports of injuries and sometimes even death associated with college fraternities and their hazing practices.
Find out what you should know about hazing.
An Oklahoma University fraternity has been sued by the son of a former Dallas Cowboy football player alleging that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and was blackmailed as a result of the hazing incident by his former fraternity.
Louisiana State University indefinitely suspended all Greek activities after the untimely death of an 18-year-old freshman. Police are currently investigating the “potential hazing incident” involving a fraternity.
“The student, Maxwell Raymond Gruver, was taken to a hospital for a ‘medical emergency’ and was later pronounced dead, said Ernie Ballard, the university’s media relations director. ‘Police are investigating this case as a potential hazing incident involving Phi Delta Theta fraternity,’ he said in an email, adding, ‘the case is currently under investigation.'”
What Is Hazing?
By definition, hazing is “any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”
Source: http://hazingprevention.org/home/hazing/facts-what-hazing-looks-like/
While hazing has common factors, it can take various forms:
• Initiation rites
• Intentional discussion of “traditions”
• Participation of these “traditions” to be a part of a social group
• Power differential between senior and junior members of a social group
It is important to note, also, that hazing is not limited to college fraternities and sororities. Hazing can occur in sports teams, honor societies, clubs and more – in all school levels. But how do you know if a certain activity is considered hazing? Ask yourself these questions:
• Would we get in trouble if an administrator saw us?
• Does my participation violate my personal morals or values?
• Is this causing emotional or physical harm to anyone involved?
• Am I being encouraged to keep this activity a secret?
• Is what we’re doing illegal?
Combat Hazing
Part of fighting the hazing problem is educating our youth on what hazing is, what it looks like, and the dangers associated with it. Please share this insight with your friends and family members so that we can work together to combat this dangerous and sometimes fatal practice.
If you or a loved one has a question about hazing please call Borland Phiffer Law at 432-219-6063 or contact us via the form on our website.