A popular national anti-hazing organization defines this practice as "any activity involving someone that is joining a group that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate". It is up to each state to define what they consider an incident of hazing, and how to prosecute those who are involved. The overwhelming belief now is that these acts, which were once thought of as tradition, are now considered criminal assaults.
Types of hazing:
- Forced consumption of alcohol
- Yelling/cursing
- Sleep deprivation
- Ingestion of vile substances
- Branding
- Simulation of sex acts
- Forced alterations to physical appearance
- Personal servitude
- Being whipped, kicked or beaten
- Public nudity
- Forced to wear embarrassing clothing
- Personal hygiene deprivation
- Destroy/steal personal property
- Drop-offs in unfamiliar locations
- Being paddled
- Lock-ups/confinement to small space
- Physical restraint
- Burning skin
Hazing incidents extend far beyond the high school setting, as they are now commonly experienced by boys and girls of all ages. Recent media attention has focused upon hazing incidents involving:
- Military and Private High Schools
- Public Schools
- Fraternities
- Sororities
- Sports Teams
If you or someone you know has been injured by hazing or school violence, contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 and see why our firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
