Three fraternity members from Chico State will serve 30-day sentences in the death of a pledge.CONSEQUENCES OF HAZING
For the person being hazed
The media is full of stories reporting one of the worst possible consequences
of hazing: death. While death is a horrendous possible outcome, there are far
more examples of less severe but still life altering consequences. One study
has shown that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences.
These consequences may include:- Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability
- Sleep deprivation
- Loss of sense of control and empowerment
- Decline in grades and coursework
- Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
- Post-traumatic stress syndrome
- Loss of respect for and interest in being part of the organization
- Erosion of trust within the group members
- Illness or hospitalization with additional effects on family and friends
Someone who has been hazed is more likely to haze others in the future.
For the person doing the hazing
Those who are accused of engaging in the hazing behaviors may face:- Legal actions up to and including jail time and fines –
The state of Michigan enacted an anti–hazing law in 2004. Those who are accused of engaging in hazing behaviors may face legal actions up to and including jailtime. In addition, victims of hazing may pursue monetary damage in civil court from individuals and groups involved. - University discipline –
The University of Michigan's code of conduct, The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, prohibits hazing. Those who are found responsible for hazing face sanctions which may range from participating in educational programming to separation from the University (suspension or expulsion). - Membership and Organizational Sanctions –
The inter/national organization may impose membership sanctions (probation, suspension or expulsion) and those that receive housing, scholarships, or financial assistance thorugh the national organization may lose all of those benefits. - Personal impact –
In addition to being accountable to the organization, the University, the state criminal process, and civil litigation, those that haze may experience the following:- Decline in grades and coursework
- Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
- Loss of connection to alums through the organization
- Media scrutiny
- Damage to one's personal reputation
- Warped sense of leadership
- Feelings of shame and guilt
For the organization doing the hazing
By participating in hazing, not only are individuals affected, but the organization also suffers. Individuals and their organization are accountable to the national and/or international offices as well as institutional and local governing boards. In addition to the organization being shut down, the following outcomes may result when members of an organization participate in hazing:- Loss of reputation within the University community and the national community
- Loss of recognition for the organization and/or other privileges revoked
- Civil damages may be levied against the organization
- Chapter officers may be held responsible
- A gradual erosion of the true meaning and values of the organization