Section 11 - Hazing

SECTION 11.0 HAZING

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF HIGH SCHOOLS HAZING RESOLUTION

The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) defines hazing as any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group, regardless of their willingness to participate.

Whereas, the mission of the NFHS includes development of "good citizens through interscholastic activities" and

Whereas, the NFHS attempts to "enhance the educational experiences of high school students and reduce the risks of their participation," in such activities and

Whereas, the NFHS Citizenship Committee, in partnership with the school/community, "will provide life-long learning opportunities for participants to become citizens who provide positive contributions to their schools, workplaces and society," and

Whereas, a major goal of the NFHS Citizenship Committee is "to foster a climate at the local, state and national levels to promote respect for self, others and environment." and

Whereas, participants in school activities are uniquely vulnerable to hazing, and

Whereas, hazing obstructs the development of good citizens, escalates the risks of participation, negates positive contributions, and destroys respect for self, others and environment,

Therefore, be it resolved by the NFHS that significant steps shall be taken to increase the awareness and prevention of hazing.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF HIGH SCHOOLS DEFINITION OF HAZING

The National Federation defines hazing as any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group, regardless of their willingness to participate.

Some practices associated with high school hazing carry the potential for serious bodily harm or even death. These practices may include: tattooing, piercing, head-shaving, branding, sleep deprivation, physical punishment (paddling and "red-bellying"), "kidnapping," consuming unreasonable/ unacceptable foods or beverages, being forced to come to school in face/body paint and nightwear, being deprived of personal hygiene and/or inappropriate sexual behavior.

Coerced sexual activity, in addition to being classified as sexual assault and/or rape, is another form of hazing. Such activity puts victims at risk for injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy.

Alcohol abuse is another significant factor in hazing incidents that feature forced consumption of large amounts of alcohol.

Connection between bullying and hazing

In many respects, hazing is similar to bullying, but hazing has a tendency to be an institutionalized form of harassment/intimidation centering on initiation rights connected to certain school clubs and activities.

Hazing can be seen as an organized form of bullying. One difference between these behaviors is that bullying typically attempts to exclude a person from the bully's activities while hazing is often a condition of acceptance or initiation into a group.

While bullying may begin in early elementary school, hazing generally does not occur until children are older. As with bullying, however, hazing may involve a ringleader and bystanders who do nothing to stop the activity.