Hazing Education

Statement on Hazing

Because Stetson University values the equality of all people, recognizing its responsibility to protect human dignity and promote positive personal growth, hazing is strictly prohibited by any member of the university community. Stetson defines hazing as an act that threatens the mental, physical, academic health, or safety of a student through actions or situations that endanger, embarrass, harass, demean or ridicule any person regardless of locations, intent or consent of participants.

For further clarification on this statement and policy, please consult the Community Code of Conduct.

Confidential Reporting

Stetson University encourages all faculty, staff, and students to report all criminal incidents, threats, serious injuries, property loss, accidents, safety hazards, etc., to the Division of Public Safety. To report a crime or emergency, call Public Safety at 386.822.7300. Trained dispatchers and officers are available 24 hours daily to respond to emergency calls. In case of an immediate threat, danger, injury, or crime in progress, dial 911 for assistance from DeLand police, fire, or emergency medical personnel.

Consequences of Hazing

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 hazed people suffer 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

Those leading or participating in the hazing may unintentionally trigger the memory of a traumatic event in the victim's past that could result in devastating consequences.

Someone hazed is more likely to haze others in the future.

Adapted from University of Michigan - Hazing Awareness and Education.