Hazing is defined as a form of initiation that occurs when entering certain social groups, often characterized by degrading or dangerous tasks. Hazing is typically associated with student organizations, most commonly fraternities and sororities, but also occurs within the military, sports teams, clubs, gangs, workplaces, and other social settings. There are three main types of hazing: subtle, harassment, and violent. Subtle hazing refers to rituals that emphasize power in existing members, as opposed to the powerlessness of newcomers. Harassment hazing comprises forced behaviors that can be emotionally or physically uncomfortable, including sleep deprivation, public humiliation, and extensive physical activity. Violent hazing involves harmful behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug consumption, forced sexual acts, abuse, and other dangerous or illegal activities. The persistence of hazing practices within Greek life highlights the need for reform, as these traditions pose physical and psychological risks to students and conflict with the values of college environments.
Hazing has an ancient history, dating back to 387 B.C. At Plato’s Academy, hazing went by a different name: pennalism, meaning “a system of mild oppression and torment practiced upon first-year students”. As time progressed, the idea solidified to introduce new students to make sure they recognized the superiority of their upperclassmen. The term hazing was coined in 1684 after a Harvard student was expelled for hitting and making students submit to them. Greek life didn’t begin hazing until the early nineteenth century, which continued until 1912, when deaths caused by hazing began to rapidly increase. The issue subsided until after WWII, when Richard Swanson, a student in the Kappa Sigma chapter at the University of Virginia, choked to death while being force-fed a quarter pound of raw liver. This issue persisted until the Vietnam War quieted it yet again, only to emerge with alcohol becoming a common hazing culprit. Alcohol has since altered the concept of hazing; less harassing, more life-threatening. Over time, a plethora of hazing deaths have occurred. According to a database, 493 definite deaths were caused by hazing between 1838-2025: 188 between 1838 and 1999, and 305 between 2000 and 2025. The data doesn’t account for every single death caused by hazing, as many fly under the radar; however, the research displays that hazing has increased in recent years. Hazing is an ancient practice, although its meaning has evolved over time, becoming something dangerous in modern-day society.
From a modern stance, hazing has become normalized within society. In a TikTok video from Stay Tuned NBC, a pledge at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at the University of Miami was shown being spat on while sitting in a trash can that captured the liquid. When Nick Giannakopoulos, a student at the university, was interviewed, he said, “If they feel that they want to do that to make the most of their college experience, I know that’s a big part of the culture here”. Hazing is something that is often viewed as “normal” in society. Instead of abolishing hazing, people have the mindset that new pledges should prepare themselves to be hazed.
In a separate video, a TikToker says, “You’re going to get hazed by the frats when you’re pledging. There is no escaping it. So, you need to be mentally prepared”. Instead of placing the blame on fraternities for hazing, he advises pledges to prepare themselves. Overall, hazing is a concept that has become so routine in Greek life. Due to the commonality of hazing, President Biden signed the Anti-Hazing Law, or “Stop Campus Hazing Act”, into effect on December 23, 2024. The law aims to address hazing incidents on college campuses, including the establishment of prevention and reporting requirements. There are three main types of hazing laws, which almost all states tend to fit into: law is in the criminal code, but not in the education code and does not require institutions to have a policy or enforce the legal requirements; law is in the criminal code and requires institutional enforcement; law is in the education code and requires institutional enforcement, each institution to have their own policy, or both. The “Stop Campus Hazing Act” is set to take its final step on December 23, 2025, with the public release of the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, which documents violations starting in June 2025. Although hazing has become habitual in society, efforts are being made to prevent further incidents.
Hazing can lead to a variety of issues in a pledge’s future. As an example, Danny Santulli, a student at the University of Missouri, was forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning and brain damage. Santulli lost his ability to speak, walk, and see, leaving him permanently disabled. Hazing can lead to numerous long-term effects on mental health. Conditions can include, but are not limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, substance abuse, and psychosis or psychotic disorders. The most common issues in pledges are anxiety issues, usually because of public humiliation, creating a constant state of fear.
Extreme methods of hazing can ruin someone’s life; however, there are ways to prevent hazing. Methods can include reducing the power difference, allowing members to reflect, voicing concerns, amending traditions, developing a chapter anti-hazing policy, or alerting campus resources. Members of Greek life may not have an innate desire to haze, but they are often put in positions where the power dynamic shifts, making them in charge. Hazing is often a result of the pledge masters abusing their power. Members will find fewer chances to haze if new members create an atmosphere where they can discuss their experiences with the elders. Eliminating the power differential is crucial to lowering the chances of hazing. If all else fails, reporting the fraternity or sorority is a safe choice (“Fraternity and Sorority Affairs”). Hazing poses significant risks and effects, so eliminating it from the start is crucial to ensuring safety.
Ongoing hazing practices within Greek life showcase the need for reform, as these traditions pose risks to students and conflict with the values of college environments. Hazing has a long history, but over time, it has changed to a dangerous and harmful practice, especially in Greek life. What began as a symbolic initiation has become a culture of abuse, humiliation, and risk that goes against the values of college environments. The growing number of hazing-related deaths and injuries proves how serious the issue has become. While society often treats hazing as a normal part of joining a group, efforts like the “Stop Campus Hazing Act” show that change is possible. Still, students, organizations, and schools should take responsibility to end hazing. By eliminating fear and power within Greek life, colleges can create safer communities that reflect the purpose of brotherhood and sisterhood.