Hazing

Hazing can be used as a way of initiating someone into a group, such as gangs, clubs, sports teams and military units. Hollywood films and television shows portray hazing as something that normally happens within Greek communities.

The truth behind this is that all Greek organizations have an anti-hazing policy. Each one is different, but the members are required to abide by such rules and policies. In addition to the individual organization’s policies, each university has a hazing policy as well.

Utah State University has revised its hazing and alcohol policies after freshman Sigma Nu pledge Michael Starks died in 2008 from an alcohol and hazing related incident. Since then, the university hasn’t had any Greek-related hazing incidents according to Greek Advisor Alanna Hill, and the community has improved greatly.

I personally have been hazed more on the USU soccer team than I ever have been in Alpha Chi Omega,” Brittany Boyack said. “I actually can’t think of any times I have been hazed while being Greek, but many come to my head when I think of my sports teams,” Boyack said.

According to a study by Alfred University and the NCAA, more hazing occurs on sports team than it does in Greek organizations and 80 percent of college athletes had been subjected to some form of hazing. Half were required to participate in drinking contests or alcohol related initiations while two thirds were subjected to humiliating hazing, the study said.

 “Delta Sigma Phi’s hazing policy states that ‘each chapter shall not conduct in hazing activities,’” Conor Reese said. “I’m proud to say that my fraternity has never hazed me. It’s not something our fraternity was founded on and it won’t be part of the experience.”