Hazing

Learning Topics Understand its importance Know its definition Learn some facts Know what to look for How to report it Know possible outcomes Know who is targeted Understand your responsibility

Introduction Hazing is an often unseen and serious problem that can undermine the value of the experiences you and others have in college and the fleet. It is important to examine these practices explicitly in an attempt to overcome the secrecy that perpetuates them.

No Tolerance The Navy has ZERO tolerance for hazing.

Definition Hazing is any activity of someone participating in an activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a person regardless of that person’s willingness to participate.

Not Sure if it is Hazing? Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my senior officers were watching? Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret? Am I doing anything illegal? Does participation violate my values or those of my organization? Is it causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to myself or others?

Facts 47% of students come to college already having experienced hazing 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations experience hazing 2 in 5 students say they are aware of hazing taking place on their campus

Facts (cont) More than 1 in 5 report that they witnessed hazing personally In 95% of cases where students identified their experience as hazing, they did not report the events to campus officials 9 out of 10 students who have experienced hazing behavior in college do not consider themselves to have been hazed

What to Look For Physical distress Crying Sadness Mental distress Signs of depression Peer pressure Unusual behavior

How to Report an Incident If in a classroom, tell the professor If on the street, use your judgment, at a minimum, make note of what happened and report it to the police If in your unit Tell your chain of command Advisors

Possible Outcomes Turmoil Review board Extra duties Disenrollment Law suits Injury Death or Suicide

Who Gets Hazed? Potentially everyone Military members Your sailors and marines Possibly you Athletes Greek life “The new guy” Minorities

Your Responsibility Hazing is everyone’s problem Understand what hazing is and be able to recognize it Take responsibility when you encounter it by reporting it immediately Make others aware of what hazing is and their responsibility for preventing its occurrence

Conclusion Hazing can cause significant harm to individuals, groups and your organization The most important thing you can do is report it Don’t be a bystander

Resources Cornell Web Dictionary Miami University Hazing Prevention Hazing Studying