Examines the problem of pledging and hazing in black Greek-letter fraternities (BGFs). BGFs remain because they are popular for gaining acceptance. Notes the role of narrative in keeping hazing alive. Discusses power, hegemony, and domination; the traditional pledge process versus membership intake programs; the effect of conservatism and…

After providing recent survey evidence of significant widespread hazing of students in high schools, author calls for the enactment of stricter state anti-hazing laws to eliminate adverse impact of hazing on students' physical and mental well-being. Author also calls for increased educational efforts to reduce hazing. (PKP)

The fact that hazing continues at a steady clip is evidence enough that Black Greeks' national headquarters either do not want to stop the practice or do not know how. One would hope the latter is closer to the truth. Certainly, there is also the possibility that pledging--and the hazing which invariably accompanies it--cannot be stopped at all.…

This study sought to review the extent of hazing at the three Department of Defense (DOD) service academies, the actions taken by the academies to control and eliminate hazing, and the impact of hazing on cadets and midshipmen. The three academies studied were the Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland), the Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs,…

Fraternities are criticized for deteriorating student behavior, but college administrations are also under fire for not controlling or taking responsibility for the organizations. Conflict over the organizations' value continues. (MSE)

"Paper" was the term created in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Black fraternities and sororities first began to shorten their pledge periods, subsequently abolishing pledging in 1990. Paper signified a person who completed the membership intake process without pledging. Essentially, they followed the rules of the national organization as…

Despite recent public attention and nationwide media coverage, hazing by members of sport teams in high schools and colleges continues at an alarming rate. Coaches and administrators who naively think hazing does not occur (or worse, overlook team initiations) are often surprised when a hazing problem is uncovered in their program. Hazing is…

Noting that high school students are just learning to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior and that without healthy adult supervision, initiation rites may become hazing incidents, this study surveyed students' experiences with hazing and initiation activities. Participating in the survey were 1,541 students from a random…

Preliminary results of ongoing reviews of student treatment at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy show the following: (1) hazing has not completely disappeared from the academies, despite prohibitions against it; (2) women and minorities have not reached the same level of achievement as white males in…

Institutions of higher education (IHEs) are often regarded as sanctuaries, protected environments where young people explore great ideas in a collegial atmosphere and make lifelong friendships. Consequently, incidents of violence on campus are particularly shocking for the extended campus community, evoking questions about whether there is any…

Collegiate student athletes are faced with the same developmental challenges and stressors as their nonathlete peers, but they are also expected to deal with the challenges of athletic involvement (e.g., time demands, physical demands, travel schedules). Such additional demands may put athletes at greater risk for experiencing physical and…

A common but largely unacknowledged problem in public education in the US is the practice of hazing beginning teachers that leads to low retention rates. Factors that contribute to new teachers leaving high schools and often the teaching profession are presented and how these can and should be mitigated is discussed.

Reviews laws and court cases relating to alcohol and possible civil and criminal liability. Suggests a number of risk management principles, including knowledge of the law, policies forbidding hazing, fostering alcohol awareness, and discipline. (JAC)

Incidents of pledges' injury or death as a result of fraternity hazing warrant formal investigation by individual institutions. Survey results and personal interviews at Mississippi State University suggest that hazing exists. Institutions should reevaluate their policies on hazing. (NRB)

Greek advisors feel some sororities abuse vulnerable young women who will do almost anything, including self-destructive behavior sometimes leading to death, to join. Although awareness of hazing is increasing on campus, many of the activities persist. Members feel membership advantages outweigh problems. (MSE)