Here is some information in response to common misconceptions about the University’s hazing policy: 

Misconception: “We told the first years that they didn’t have to [streak, drink, shoplift, etc.] if they didn’t want to, so it’s not hazing.” 

Fact: There is no “consent” defense to hazing. When someone is strongly motivated to join a group, peer pressure to participate in group activities is often heightened and power differentials between members (especially prospective and continuing members) can be exacerbated.

Misconception: “If we just threaten to haze them, but don’t actually do anything, that’s not a violation.” 

Fact: Students have been sanctioned for threatening others with hazing, even when no other behaviors meeting the definition of hazing have followed. Threats can intimidate, manipulate, and/or cause anxiety or fear in others, meaning that threats in the context of joining or maintaining membership in a group, can constitute hazing.

Misconception: “We’re just having the new members run errands for us. Since no one’s getting hurt, it’s not hazing.” 

Fact: Requiring others to complete tasks or errands in order to attain or maintain membership in an organization can be hazing. These behaviors emphasize a power imbalance between new members and other members of the group. This kind of personal servitude can feel humiliating or degrading for some people. 

Misconception: “The new members liked seeing who could finish the bottle of alcohol first. It’s not hazing if they are having fun and they want to do it.”  

Fact: Even if some students may want to participate, encouraging individuals to ingest alcohol (or food, drugs or any undesirable substance) in the context of joining or maintaining membership in a group can be hazing. When students are strongly motivated to join a group, peer pressure to participate in group activities is often heightened and power differentials between members (especially prospective and continuing members) can be exacerbated.