What hazing is
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or staying in a group that humiliates, degrades or puts them at risk, whether or not they agree to it. It can happen in fraternities and sororities, sports teams, bands, clubs and the military. It's not always physical. Sleep deprivation, forced drinking, isolation and constant degrading "tasks" are hazing too.
Every national fraternity and sorority prohibits hazing. The problem is when a local chapter, or a few members, ignore the rules.
Warning signs to watch for
- Sudden exhaustion, falling asleep in class, or calls and texts at all hours
- Unexplained injuries, bruises or illness
- Withdrawing from old friends, family or activities they used to love
- A sharp drop in grades or skipped classes
- Secrecy that goes beyond normal ritual privacy: they seem afraid to talk, not just unwilling
- Being "on call" for older members: driving them, running errands, cleaning
- Pressure to drink, or stories about drinking games tied to membership
- Mood changes: anxiety, anger, depression
One sign alone may just be a hard week. A pattern, especially during a new member period, is worth a conversation.
What to do if you're worried
- Talk privately and calmly. Ask open questions: "What does a normal day look like right now?" Make it clear they won't be in trouble with you for telling the truth.
- Remind them they can leave. No membership is worth their safety, and a good organization will never punish someone for walking away.
- Write things down. Dates, what happened, who was involved, texts or screenshots.
- Report it. To the campus fraternity and sorority life office, the dean of students, or campus police. Many schools have anonymous online reporting. You can also contact the organization's national headquarters.
- For an emergency, call 911 first, then the school.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act: a tool for families
In December 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act became the first federal anti-hazing law. Colleges that take part in federal student aid programs must now report hazing incidents in their annual security reports, run hazing prevention programs, and publish their hazing policies and a list of student organizations found responsible for hazing violations on their websites.
That means before your student accepts a bid or begins intake, you can look up the chapter. Search the university's website for "hazing transparency report" or "student organization violations."
Where to learn more
StopHazing and the Hazing Prevention Network both publish free resources for families. And our guides to sorority recruitment, fraternity recruitment and Divine Nine intake explain what a normal new member experience looks like, so the abnormal is easier to spot.
Frequently asked questions
Is hazing illegal?
Most states have anti-hazing laws, and every major fraternity and sorority prohibits hazing. A federal law, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, requires colleges to report hazing incidents and publish violations by student organizations.
Does it count as hazing if my student agreed to it?
Yes. Under the federal definition and most policies, consent doesn't make it acceptable. What matters is whether the activity puts a student at risk as a condition of joining or keeping membership.
How do I check whether a chapter has hazing violations?
Look on the university's website for its hazing transparency report or list of student organization violations, which federal law now requires colleges to publish.
Sources and further reading
Updated November 2026