Hazing is everyone's responsibility. Virtually every college or university, school, national governing body, athletic department, fraternity/sorority, organization and workplace has an anti-hazing policy and most have procedures for reporting violations. The most important thing you can do is report it. Don't be a bystander.

What is hazing?

Hazing is any action taken, or situation created, intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, and regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

Still confused? Ask yourself these questions:

• Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents were watching?
• Would we get in trouble if the Dean of Students walked by?
• Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
• Am I doing anything illegal?
• Does participation violate my values or those of my organization?
• Is it causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to myself or others?
• If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the insurance carrier?
• When I apply for jobs, can I take the onus of having a criminal arrest on my record?

What's the difference between hazing and bullying?

The difference between hazing and bullying is subtle. The same power dynamics are involved. The same intimidation tactics are used. The same second-class citizenship issues arise. The only real difference between bullying and hazing is that bullying can happen to anyone, anytime. Hazing is done to a person or group of people in order to gain entrance or acceptance into a club, organization, team, workplace or formal group.

Whose problem is hazing?

Hazing is everyone's problem. The RA Project and HazingPrevention.org share a common mission: to empower people to prevent hazing. How can you be empowered?

• First, understand what hazing is and be able to recognize it.
• Second, take responsibility when you see it occurring or when it happens to you by reporting it immediately.
• Third, make others aware of what hazing is and their responsibility for preventing its occurrence.
• Finally, use the resources, programs and services we offer here on this website and at HazingPrevention.org.

Hazing is everyone's responsibility

The most important thing you can do is report it. Don't be a bystander. Right now, 44 states have laws against hazing. Find out if yours is one of them by downloading the "National Hazing Statutes" document on this page.

You can call the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). If you have an iPhone, you can use the free Anti-Hazing iPhone App. 

To Get More

There are blog posts, related videos and downloadable documents below to educate and empower you to be an Every|Day Hero against hazing.  We will be constantly adding material to this website and welcome your thoughts, opinions and even submissions.  To contact us, click here.