How common is hazing in sororities?

Seventy-three percent of students in social fraternities or sororities have experienced hazing in some form. Hazing is defined as “an initiation process involving harassment,” and is a practice that has been around since at least 387 B.C., when it was practiced in Plato's Academy.

What is the most common sorority hazing?

The most common hazing behaviors included participating in a drinking game (53%); singing or chanting in public in a situation that is not a related event, game, or practice (31%); drinking large amounts of alcohol to the point of getting sick or passing out (26%); being awakened at night by other members (19%); and ...

How bad is hazing in sororities?

The intimidating, harassing, and sometimes even violent nature of hazing can threaten the health and safety of its victims. It can even be deadly. Hazing, however, often impacts more than the group or individual involved.

How common is hazing?

47% of students come to college having experienced hazing. 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.

How many pledges have died from hazing?

In 2021, NBC reported that since 2000, at least 50 college students have died from hazing, with the majority of those deaths related to alcohol. According to independent researcher Hank Nuwer, the toll could even be as high as 105.

Women Share Sorority Horror Stories

Does sorority hazing still happen?

Yet, the practice continues. Fraternity and sorority members die from suspected hazing most years. Alcohol and heavy drinking are common factors in these deaths.

How common are hazing deaths?

Since 1970, there has been at least one hazing-related death on a college campus each year2. 82% percent of deaths from hazing involve alcohol2. The first recorded incident of hazing involving sexual abuse occurred in 1983.

Can you say no to hazing?

If something doesn't feel right, don't do it! Tell someone. A simple phone call can be all it takes to stop hazing. Talk to an advisor, your campus fraternity/sorority professional, International Office staff, or call 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Are boys more likely to experience hazing than girls?

Though both men and women report hazing experiences, data indicate that there are some gender-based differences (e.g., Allan & Madden, 2008, 2012; Nuwer, 2017) and that, of the hazing deaths documented, the vast majority are male students (e.g., Nuwer, 2017).

Is hazing really that bad?

For the person being hazed

One study has shown that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences. These consequences may include: Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability. Sleep deprivation.

Do sororities haze people?

This practice is common within Greek life on college campuses, encompassing sororities and fraternities. Hazing can range from harmless activities to dangerous or potentially fatal situations. Many times, hazing involves power dynamics and control over others.

What is the dark side of hazing?

While death is the worst possible outcome, there are far more examples of less severe but still life-altering consequences. One study has shown that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences. These consequences may include but are not limited to: Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability.

Is hazing in Greek life illegal?

In all but six states, hazing is illegal.

44 states have anti-hazing laws of some kind on the books. Most of these laws punish offenders with fines of varying size. However, there are 13 states where anti-hazing laws allow for felony prosecution.

What is the number 1 sorority?

The largest sorority by membership is Chi Omega, also called “Chi O,” and the largest sorority by active chapters is Alpha Omicron Pi, or “A O Pi” for short.

How many people have died from hazing in Greek life?

Since January 2000, over 100 people have lost their lives due to hazing activities in the United States. Of those, 60 were related to substance use, nearly always alcohol. Participating in drinking games is the most frequently reported hazing behavior among college students.

What does hazing look like in sororities?

Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating. Wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing. Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations. Forced confinement, oftentimes involving very loud music and/or the repetition of a specific song.

What is sexualized hazing?

Sexual hazing is one of the most insidious, harmful forms of hazing. As the name makes clear, sexual hazing is any form of hazing that coerces or forces its victims to perform a sexual act, simulate a sexual act, or commit a sexual act against another person.

What group has the highest rate of hazing?

Sports: Swimmers or divers and lacrosse, soccer, football, hockey and water polo players were significantly more likely to be subjected to a greater number of questionable and unacceptable initiation activities than any other athletes. Football is the only sport that had a relatively low response rate among athletes.

How many kids have died from hazing?

Over 200 university hazing deaths have occurred since 1838, with 40 deaths between 2007 and 2017 alone. Alcohol poisoning is the biggest cause of death.

Are there any frats that don't haze?

Since its founding in 1869, Sigma Nu has been fundamentally opposed to hazing. In fact, one of the primary reasons the Fraternity's Founders formed Sigma Nu was to protest the hazing practices that was occurring at the Virginia Military Institute at the time.

What to do if you're getting hazed?

Talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to help you sort out what to do. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others. REPORT the hazing. We cannot stop hazing if we don't know about it.

Why is hazing still a thing?

Many people view hazing as an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline and loyalty within the group, and believe that hazing is a necessary component of initiation rites. Hazing can be used as a way to engender conformity within a social group, something that can be seen in many sociological studies.

Who is the first victim of hazing?

The first reported hazing death in the Philippines was that of Gonzalo Mariano Albert, a University of the Philippines Diliman student and an Upsilon Sigma Phi neophyte. He died in 1954.

Which fraternity has the most hazing deaths?

Pi Kappa alpha has the most reported hazing deaths

Behind Pi Kappa Alpha were Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Kappa Epsilon, both with five deaths each. Lianne Kowiak says tradition is most likely the reason that a certain fraternity would have more hazing related deaths than others.

Does hazing cause PTSD?

Findings. This cohort study analyzed data from 1463 combat-deployed soldiers and found that reports of being bullied or hazed during deployment were significantly associated with major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorder.