Learn More about Hazing and Prevention
Hazing Facts and Statistics
Information on hazing comes from the Initial Findings of the National Study of Student Hazing.
- Hazing occurs in many types of student organizations, including varsity and club athletic teams, Greek organizations, and special-interest clubs.
- 55% of college students involved in student organizations, sports, or activities experience hazing.
- Almost half of students who experience hazing discuss the hazing with peers, and over one fourth discuss the hazing with family.
- Hazing often goes unreported; 95% of students who experience hazing do not report it.
- Hazing most often includes extreme alcohol consumption, humiliation, isolation, sleep- deprivation, and sex acts.
Help a Friend
Tufts students can look out for each other. There are several warning signs of hazing, including but not limited to:
- Sudden changes in behavior after joining an organization, club, or team
- Desire to leave the organization, club, or team without giving any explanation
- Weight-loss; exhaustion; or sudden changes in appetite, sleep habits, or appearance
- Secrecy, avoidance, or stress surrounding new member activities
- Unexplained injuries or illnesses
If you are concerned about a friend, you can report those concerns.
Prevent Hazing
Every member of the community can make a difference in preventing hazing. You can:
- Take a stand against hazing: If you are part of a group that engages in hazing, commit yourself to not participating. Sometimes the pressure to conform to group norms around hazing can be overwhelming, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that you never feel the need to haze anyone else.
- Prevent hazing as a new member: If you are joining a club, team or group at Tufts, there are actions you can take to make hazing less likely. You have power, and you belong at Tufts.
- Push back against the hazing culture in your group: Social norming research shows that most people do not approve of hazing within their groups, but they wrongly assume they are in the minority. If you begin speaking up about hazing within your group, you will very likely find that a majority of people agree with you, but are likewise afraid of speaking up.
Check out the hazing prevention course in Canvas for more details and strategies for preventing hazing.