Why Does It Matter?
Why does it matter?
Individuals schools, organizations, state and local laws vary, however, the consequences for hazing can be severe. Individuals involved with hazing may experience sanctions from warning through expulsion from the College, and criminal and/or civil repercussions.
Student organizations or athletic teams involved in hazing may be sanctioned by withholding funds; suspension; disqualifying it from funds, spaces, or activities; forfeiture of games/meets; or permanent disbandment.
And while consequences may be severe, below are some of the other impacts possible.
Impact on Person Being Hazed
The media is full of stories reporting the range of consequences of hazing, from groups being suspended to the unfortunate worst outcome: death. While death is the worst possible outcome, there are far more examples of less severe but still immensely impactful consequences. These consequences may include, but are not limited to:
- Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability
- Sleep deprivation
- Loss of sense of control and empowerment
- Decline in grades and coursework
- Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
- Post-traumatic stress syndrome
- Loss of respect for and interest in being part of the group
- Erosion of trust among group members
- Illness or hospitalization with additional effects on family/friends
Impact on Those Who Haze
Those who are leading or participating in the hazing may unintentionally trigger the memory of a traumatic event in a victim's past that could result in devastating consequences. Those who are accused of engaging in the hazing behaviors may face College conduct sanctions and/or legal actions which may include misdemeanor and/or felony charges.
In addition to being accountable to the organization, the College, the state criminal process, and civil litigation, those who haze may experience:
- Decline in grades and coursework
- Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
- Loss of connection to alums through the organization
- Media scrutiny
- Damage to one's personal reputation
- Warped sense of leadership
- Feelings of shame and guilt
Impact on the Organization/Group
When a team, club, or other group participates in hazing, not only are individuals affected, but the organization also suffers. Individuals and their organization may be accountable to the national offices (if applicable) as well as institutional and local governing boards. Depending on the organization, consequences can be significant. In addition, the following outcomes may result:
- Loss of reputation within the campus community, local area, and nationally
- Loss of recognition for the group
- Privileges being revoked for the group
- Civil damages may be levied against the organization
- Individuals within the group may be held personally responsible
- A gradual erosion of the true meaning and values of the group
Adapted from North Carolina State University