Hazing 101
What is Hazing?
Any action or situation that causes harm, embarrassment, harassment, or risk to individuals as a condition of joining or being part of a group
Which year did hazing become illegal in Texas?
1985 1995 2005
None of the above
What is 1995?
Myth or Fact: Hazing builds team unity
Myth- It actually destorys trust and respect
Define “initiation.”
A ceremony or process marking entry into a group.
“It was just a joke.” – Why is this a dangerous excuse for hazing?
It minimizes harm and ignores serious risks.
True or False: Hazing only happens in fraternities and sororities
False. It happens in sports teams, bands, clubs, the military, etc
How many states in the U.S. currently have anti-hazing laws
44 states.
Alaska, Montana, South Dakota,
Hawaii, New Mexico, and Wyoming do not have anti-hazing laws.
Myth or Fact: If you consent to being hazed, it's not hazing
Myth- Consent does not make hazing acceptable or legal
Define “consent.”
Permission given freely and willingly (not valid in hazing).
“We all went through it.” – Why is this not a valid reason?
Tradition doesn’t make harmful practices acceptable.
What 3 types of hazing are most commonly used?
Physical, psychological/emotional, and alcohol/substance-related
What is the federal law that requires schools to report hazing if it involves crimes on campus?
The Clery Act.
President Joe Biden signed into law the Stop Campus Hazing Act on December 23, 2024. The Act amends the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, a subsection of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Clery Act), and renames the Clery Act officially as the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.
Myth or Fact: Hazing only hurts the victim
Myth -It also damages organizations, reputations, and future opportunities
What does “zero tolerance” mean in hazing policies?
No hazing is allowed under any circumstance.
“They could’ve said no.” – Why is this statement wrong?
Consent doesn’t excuse hazing or power imbalance.
What is one example of hazing that seems "harmless" but is still dangerous
Making members perform embarrassing skits, wearing humiliating outfits, forced alcohol use, etc
Section 37.154 of the Texas Anti-Hazing Law
What is CONSENT NOT A DEFENSE. It is not a defense to prosecution of an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995
Myth or Fact: Hazing is just a college thing
Myth -it occurs in high schools, workplaces, and the military
Define “endangerment.”
Putting someone at risk of harm, injury, or death.
“No one’s ever gotten hurt before.” – Why is this false safety logic?
Hazing is always unpredictable and risky.
What department at TCC can you make a hazing report?
What is TCC Police or Student Conduct and Prevention Education?
True or false: Hazing can result in felony charges
True
Myth or Fact: There were 105 hazing incidents reported in Texas between 2018-2025
Myth -There were 215 reports.
What does “culture of silence” mean in hazing contexts?
An environment where members don’t speak out about hazing.
"It brings us closer together.” – What’s the truth?
Hazing destroys trust and unity instead of building it.