By Jessica Christensen, News Editor
This past week, Greek organizations across Susquehanna University’s campus participated in raising awareness of hazing for National Hazing Prevention Week, which took place September 22-26. During this week, Greek organizations came together to host events to spread awareness
of the dangers and harmful acts of hazing.
According to stophazing.org, an organization devoted to eliminating hazing everywhere, defines hazing as “[…] any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.”
In addition, this organization also reports that “[…] 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.” This is an astounding number considering the efforts that are made to try and stop hazing on college campuses.
Anti-Hazing week is an opportunity for anyone to discuss the topic of hazing and to inform others of what it can look like in different scenarios.
This past week, Susquehanna’s Greek life organizations devoted a week to pledging anti-hazing. On Monday, September 22, different members of Greek life tabled outside of the Leadership and Engagement Office, encouraging passerbyers to sign the “Anti-Hazing” banner. By signing the
banner, you pledge to not participate in any hazing activities while also being an advocate for those affected by hazing.
Destiny Shaffer, member of Alpha Delta Pi, shares her thoughts on National Hazing Prevention Week: “During hazing prevention week, I tabled in lower Degenstein to advocate for the dangers of hazing. My chapter and I support our fellow sister, Rae Ann Gruver, after losing her own son
[…] in 2017.” She also shared that her “sisters mean everything to [her]” and she “wants to protect [her] girls at all costs.”
The rest of the week’s agenda consisted of encouraging SU students to wear purple on Tuesday as a sign of solidarity with those who may have been affected. Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 25 were more days for students to sign the banner, to make sure
Susquehanna’s campus is informed.
If you are interested in learning more about hazing prevention and need resources, visit stophazing.org