WHAT WE DON'T KNOW CAN HURT US MOST:
The concept of Hidden Harm has to do with the fact that we don't know everything about the newest members of our organizations. Someone who has just joined an organization or team could have a hidden background that would make them highly susceptible to serious repercussions if hazed. Hazing can be physically or psychologically harmful to even perfectly healthy individuals, but mix hazing with any one of numerous issues individuals may be dealing with, and the damage can increase exponentially.
WHAT KINDS OF THINGS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Consider the "baggage" that today's students can bring with them to college. Have you dealt with or do you know anyone who: Suffers from depression or another mental health issue? Has served in the military? Been sexually assaulted? Comes from an alcoholic family? Has suffered the loss of a friend or family member? Has been abused physically or emotionally? Has been hazed or bullied before? All of the above backgrounds - as well as countless others we can't even imagine, much less know about - could put someone at higher risk of being retraumatized through hazing.
Source: hazingprevention.org
Breaking the Cycle
Many members consider the activities to be a “tradition” or a “rite of passage” which entitles the survivor to presumed special recognition.
How can I address hazing activities within my student organization?
To effectively address hazing in your organization you must:
Make your members aware:
- Share information about hazing within your organization
- This web site contains the information you will need to learn about SUNY Geneseo’s position on hazing and how it is handled in our community.
Educate your members.
- Teach your members that there are alternatives to hazing.
- If the current leaders show that hazing is not allowed, then the new members will continue on that same path.
- Take advantage of your advisor and other faculty/staff at Geneseo to discuss the issue of hazing within your organization.
Detect violations by your members.
- Don’t look the other way. If a member of your group jokes about hazing – address it.
Take corrective actions.
- When you discover members who are hazing, hold them accountable for their behavior within your organization, and report them.
Some members may be resistant to this change. In many cases, those who push to keep hazing around are those who are bitter and angry about the hazing that they themselves endured and expect that others should be abused in order to gain “true” membership in the organization. See alternative to hazing to help change the ‘traditions’ in your organization.
SOURCE: The information in this section has been modified from the following sources:
http://www.lycoming.edu/studentprograms
http://www.stevens-tech.edu
www.hazing.fsu.edu
Alternatives
There are many creative ways to change from a hazing to a non-hazing organization.
The following are some specific examples of ways to eliminate hazing and make membership a challenging but positive experience:
• Ropes Course
• Attend Geneseo Sporting Events
• Host or attend GLK Events
• Take a road trip to Inter/national Headquarters or one of your chapters at another campus
• Do a project to improve your neighborhood, a campus spot, a City park, etc.
• Plan a weekend for moms, dads, siblings
• Participate in Intramurals or join a club sport together
• Attend campus special events (plays, concerts, lectures) as a group
• Interact with alumni at a “Career Night”
• Invite alumni to campus for Homecoming activities
• Educational programming regarding the history of the group and/or the University
• Movie Night
• Conduct a leadership development workshop
• Participate in a mentoring program
• White-Water Rafting
• Rock-climbing
Of course, when you try to eliminate hazing in your group, you may encounter some elaborate reasons for why this will be devastating for your organization. While there will be some supporters of the status quo, there will be many who will be convinced of the negative effects and potential risks of hazing. Believers in the supposed “benefits” of hazing may be more likely to change their opinion if they can envision some alternatives.
SOURCE: http://www.stophazing.org/alternatives.html
New Member Bill of Rights
As a new member of a fraternity or sorority you have the option to participate in a number of activities known collectively as “pledging” or new member education. The new member education program of each organization should reflect three goals:
1. to learn more about yourself
2. to learn more about others
3. to learn the history and the goals of an organization
Many students who join fraternities or sororities have excellent experiences. When you choose to join an organization you do not relinquish your rights as an individual. As a new member, you have the right:
1. to make your own decisions-to be yourself
2. to place academic pursuits before any other activities
3. to be treated with respect and to treat others with respect
4. not to participate in any activity that involves harassment or has the potential for danger
5. not to be subjected to any form of hazing which includes interference with the personal liberty of others and includes any act of domination by some students over others which may lead to injury, emotional disturbance, physical discomfort or humiliation. This includes the forced consumption of alcohol.
The goal of any new member education program is learning. If you are asked to participate in any pledge function, you should evaluate the educational value of the activity. As an individual you have the right to reject participation in activities that encourage or require you to:
1. consume alcohol or other drugs
2. steal, take, or remove property from the college or others
3. participate in activities that transgress moral or ethical behavior.
As a new member it’s important to understand that the new member education program does not supersede your rights as an individual and does not free you from your obligation to behave in a mature and responsible manner as a member of the community.
