Senseless acts of hazing not only create liability for the chapter and national fraternity or sorority, it also hinders the development of friendships that are the basis of our organizations. Hazing is a felony in more than 35 states. In addition, no inter/national organization, college administration or greek council condones hazing. Phi Kappa Tau takes hazing extremely seriously and will not tolerate it at all.
The purpose of fraternity education is just that--education about the fraternity, about the chapter and about the University. Every member of a fraternity or sorority is responsible for assuring that new members receive a proper education. Before any activity involving new members, whether a part of the new member education program or a spontaneous activity, you should refer to Phi Kappa Tau and your university’s definition of hazing.
The Myths of Hazing
MYTH #1
Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
FACT: Hazing is an act of power and control over others – it is victimization.
Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and
often life-threatening.
MYTH #2
As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing should be OK.
FACT: Even if there's no malicious "intent," safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group members?
MYTH #3
Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
FACT: First of all, respect must be EARNED – not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
MYTH #4
If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.
FACT: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
MYTH #5
Hazing is primarily a problem for fraternities and sororities.
FACT: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools, and other types of clubs and/or organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.
MYTH #6
It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing; it's such a gray area sometimes.
FACT: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
1) Is alcohol involved?
2) Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they're being asked to do?
3) Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4) Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5) Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or University official?
6) Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," the activity is probably hazing.