It is a fact that every year – particularly during Greek life initiation – many students at universities across the U.S. are subject to hazing. Hazing, within the context of a Greek organization, is usually performed as a rite-of-passage, but too often becomes physically and psychologically harmful to students who are forced to go through it. Due to this unfortunate reality, Samford’s Office of Greek life took part in National Hazing Prevention Week, a program spearheaded by the Hazing Prevention Network (HPN).
On Sept. 27, the Office of Greek Life hosted a brief seminar about the consequences and statistics regarding hazing, led by director Clint Coulter. Leaders within Samford’s Greek organizations were able to attend and ask questions.
“Unfortunately, we hear of hazing incidents that occur at other institutions or colleges on the news too often,” Coulter said. “Hazing Prevention Week… allows all higher education to continue its efforts in educating all students about the dangers of hazing, as well as empower all students to prevent hazing.”
During the seminar, Coulter defined hazing, summarized the negative effects of it, gave examples of instances in which hazing became fatal and provided advice on how to recognize and prevent it.
The NPN defines hazing as, “any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, emotional and/or physical harm towards members of a group or team.”
Coulter made it clear that hazing is not isolated to universities but can take place in children’s sports teams as young as K-5th grade. According to 2017 research performed by YouGov, a public opinion research company, nearly 22% of Americans say that they have been hazed.
In recent news, there have been incidents where students in Greek organizations have died as a result of hazing rituals, even though hazing is illegal in most U.S. states. According to The Economist, the primary cause of hazing-related death is forced alcohol consumption.
Coulter shared a story he heard from anti-hazing advocate Lianne Kowiak, whose son died in 2008 after a fatal hazing incident. During initiation, her son Harrison was tackled to the ground and suffered a brain injury, and the brothers of the fraternity were too scared to take him to the hospital.
In her essay, “Fraternity Initiation Claimed the Life of My Son Harrison,” Kowiak shared that, “To help make Harrison’s death less senseless… I have spoken to thousands of students and parents across the country, telling them our story, Harrison’s story, and reinforcing the fact that no one should ever have to experience mental or physical abuse or risk death to join a group.”
Towards the end of the seminar, Coulter discussed different categories of hazing: subtle, harassing, and violent. He explained that even small orders, such as demanding new members to wear embarrassing clothes, can lead to an abuse of power within a Greek organization.
“If you hear it, and are like, ‘that’s concerning,’ report it to our office. It will remain anonymous. Your name won’t be shared with the chapter or with anyone else,” Coulter said. “Share specific information about the incident–date, time, place…”
Any incidents may also be reported to Samford Faculty members and Samford Public Safety.
The Office of Greek Life also held a successful tabling event on Ben Brown on Sept. 28, offering free coffee and doughnuts to any students who would volunteer to take the pledge against hazing. Many Greek students across campus attended and signed.
Evan Potter, Vice President of Alpha Tau Omega at Samford, shared his distaste for the hazing common at universities.
“I have known people who have experienced hazing by both Greek and non-Greek organizations, and they have described these as negative and demoralizing experiences,” he said. “I have yet to meet someone who is grateful for their hazing experience.”
Staff Writer
