WHAT IS HAZING?

Hazing is often linked to sororities, fraternities, bands, social clubs, sports, military, and other organized associations. However, what hazing is really takes on different meanings depending on who is doing the hazing and who is being hazed. For our purposes in Finer Women Don’t Haze, a few definitions of hazing are noted below.

 

THE DEFINITION OF HAZING VARIES FROM STATE TO STATE:

Hazing has been defined as an abusive, often humiliating, form of initiation into or affiliation with a group. It can include any willful action taken or situation created which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of another.

 

ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY’S POSITION ON HAZING:

Hazing in any form or fashion is contrary to the philosophy and objectives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and as such, the Sorority emphatically prohibits and denounces hazing. Therefore, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority defines hazing as any action or activity which…

• brings about physical, mental, emotional or psychological harm to the potential member or is humiliating in its intent;

• is vulgar, abusive, physically exhausting or dangerous;

• materially disrupts an individual’s academic, professional, and personal endeavors;

• abridges a person’s moral, religious or dietary beliefs;

• compels an individual to break the rules and regulations of her college or university, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated or other entities; or

• is defined as hazing under applicable laws.