Seton Hall launched a new Hazing Prevention Site providing resources for students, faculty, families, and administrators on Sept. 5.
The site offers a list of warning signs of hazing, alternative activity options for campus organizations and a step-by-step guide for reporting incidents. Information on previous hazing allegations at SHU is also available.
The university defines hazing as “when someone is pressured, forced, or tricked into doing something that could cause harm, embarrassment, or discomfort to join or stay in a group.” Hazing can include physical harm, emotional abuse, sexual mistreatment, or illegal activities and can affect everyone in the university community, both on and off campus.
Indicators that a student is being hazed include unexpected absences, sleep deprivation, unusual intoxication and more.
At SHU, hazing is taken very seriously. The university’s Anti-Hazing Policy demonstrates a zero-tolerance stance.
Any student organizations found to be engaging in hazing will face consequences from the university and may risk losing recognized status.
Student organizations are encouraged by the Hazing Prevention Site to participate in other forms of bonding activities opposed to hazing, such as movie nights, themed dinners, or team-building meals.
The new prevention site was released in response to the enactment of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, said Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Karen Van Norman.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act is the first federal law addressing campus hazing. It requires universities to be transparent about implicated organizations and to provide educational resources to their communities.
Van Norman emphasized the impact of hazing on the campus community.
“Actions of hazing are the exact opposite of who we are as a community,” Van Norman said. “At Seton Hall, we support and care for each other. We want each individual to thrive in a safe environment that promotes growth, learning, and leadership. Hazing is none of those things and has no place on our campus.”
SHU’s baseball team recently faced hazing allegations in a lawsuit against the university. A former player alleged that he was beaten and subjected to sexual rituals when he joined the team.
Students can report incidents of hazing to the Dean of Students, Public Safety, Athletics, or Fraternity and Sorority Life. Students can also submit anonymous reports through EthicsPoint.
Michela DiLorenzo is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at michela.dilorenzo@student.shu.edu.
