Hazing
Is it Hazing Continued?
1. Would I want to have a photographer from the local newspaper present to take a picture for publication?
2. Would I want my parents to know I was doing this?
3. Could I defend my actions in a court of law?
4. Do I want to jeopardize my membership in the organization or status in the University?
5. Do I want to jeopardize my organization’s status with the University or (Inter)National Headquarters?
6. Would the activity increase the respect for the organization by non-affiliated members?
7. Do my actions serve a constructive, developmental purpose? Is that purpose in line with the values of the organization?
Examples of constructive activities and destructive activities are included below.
Constructive Activities
- Holding mandatory study sessions
- Scheduling a pledge class goal setting retreat
- Educating each new member on the responsibilities of each chapter officer, chairman, and chapter operations
- Expecting high scholastic performance
- Conducting meetings exclusively for new members
- Preparing a new member publication and directory
- Sponsoring new member recruitment events for prospective new members
- Appointing or electing officers and chairmen of the new member class by the new member class
- Participating in team building exercises such as ropes courses, paintball, bowling, etc.
- Expecting basic knowledge of the chapter, its ideals and principles
- Educating new members about proper social and personal development
- Involving new members in campus activities and other recognized student organizations
- Participating in intramural events
Destructive Activities
- Forcing consumption of food or alcohol
- Requiring new members to “line up” or walk in a particular way
- Expecting new members to perform any sort of calisthenics or form of physical training (push-ups, situps, jumping jacks, etc.)
- Forcing new members to way any type of clothing which is embarrassing or identical in nature
- Expecting new members to use separate entrances to a house or housing facility
- Requiring new members to carry items such as rocks, coins, paddles, books, food, etc.
- Preventing or restricting class attendance or sleep
- Mandating any sort of personal servitude (running errands, cleaning rooms, etc.)
- Forcing strenuous physical activities
- Mandating the application of any sort of substance to new members’ bodies
- Marking or branding of new members’ physical bodies
Source: Pi Kappa Alpha, Chapter Statement of Position on Hazing: List of Activities
"As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask if an activity is hazing, it probably is......"
