Hazing has long been a part of the college experience, with campus fraternities, sororities and other student groups putting new members through disgusting and sometimes dangerous tests to see whether they are worthy to join. However, sometimes these tests go too far, leading to severe injuries or death.
After Florida A&M University (FAMU) drum major Robert Champion died during a hazing ritual for the school's popular marching band, students, faculty and trustees have made efforts to deal with the issue. Eleven FAMU band members now face felony hazing charges, and on Sunday the school played its first football game in decades without the suspended marching band.
One Cornell University student also died last year of alcohol poisoning during a fraternity initiation, while the State University of New York at Binghamton shut down all fraternity and sorority pledging after widespread hazing complaints.
In order to curb the danger of hazing and the publicity that accompanies it, university officials across the country are now looking for ways to keep students safe.
Quotes
"I was hosed, water-boarded, force-fed disgusting mixtures of food, went through physical exercises until I passed out," - Anonymous SUNY Binghamton student.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is hazing?
2. Why do people haze new members?
3. Do you think hazing is a problem at your school?
Discussion Questions
1. Where have you seen examples of hazing? In the media? In the movies? How is hazing treated on TV shows and in movies?
2. What if a club or organization you were a part of used hazing as a way to initiate its members?
3. Why do you think groups and clubs use hazing? What purpose does it serve? How might that purpose be achieved in another way?
Additional Resources
Hazing in Schools Gains National Attention
