As many seniors go to college next year, they will have to meet new people, be in a new environment and learn to be independent. One of the things they may run into is hazing. Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate (StopHazing.org). While hazing is gradually fading away, it is still a serious problem at many universities.

One of the factors perpetuating hazing is that most people simply don’t know what is and isn’t hazing. Only 12 percent of students admitted to being hazed, while 37 percent reported being subjected to behavior determined by researchers to be hazing (Cornell.edu). The most common answer is that if you have to ask if it is hazing, it probably is.

“Hazing awareness is vital,” Student Council President at Missouri S&T Ryan Beck said. “One of the main reason hazing still happens across the country is because people don’t truly understand the definition of hazing. Or they tell people ‘This isn’t hazing because we have been doing it for years, it is a tradition. Maybe they don’t understand that you can self-haze. Basically, students need to have a clear understanding of the definition of hazing.”

Another common misconception about hazing is that is only occurs with fraternities and sororities. While hazing does occur in these organizations, hazing is just as, if not worse, with athletic teams, marching band and other student organizations. 55 percent  of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations experience some form of hazing (HazingPrevention.org). Additionally, 50 percent of NCAA Division I female athletes admit to being hazed (InsideHazing.com).

While hazing is a very serious problem, most college students do not see it as such. Students see hazing as “tradition,” “just another part of college” and something that “builds unity.” However, hazing only creates false respect, puts fear into students and ultimately puts people at serious risk. Countless people have been scarred by humiliating hazing. Some have dropped out or transferred universities, and some have even died. An incident of a Florida A&M band member being hazed to death brought the seriousness of hazing to the front line. This instance helped the public see just how far hazing can go and assisted the movement to stop hazing altogether.

The most prevalent message promoted by anti-hazing organizations is that hazing needs to be stopped. They say it may be easy to understand what hazing is, but that doesn’t matter if you can’t make a difference.

“Once students have a clear understanding of what constitutes hazing, the next issue is courage and character.” Beck said. “Peer pressure, mob mentality or tradition can lead to hazing even when someone knows it is wrong. People need to be courageous and stand up to what they know is wrong. They will most likely lose the relationships with the people involved, but will gain the respect of many others. It takes a man or woman of strong character to speak against hazing and show people how their actions are hurting others.”