Rider:
Almost half of juniors and seniors report being hazed
According to a survey on hazing
of 11th and 12th graders conducted by researchers at Alfred University
in western New York (as reported by the Associated Press in August
2000):
- Almost half
reported being hazed, which researchers defined as any humiliating or
dangerous act expected of new group members, regardless of willingness
to participate.
- Students
were most likely to be hazed by a sports team or gang, but every high
school organization except the school newspaper and yearbook staffs
reported high levels of hazing.
- Most
students were asked to do humiliating tasks, such as pushing a penny
across a school bus floor with their nose, sucking someone's toes,
skinny dipping, or drinking foul mixtures such as urine, spoiled milk
and eggs.
- 1
in 5 said they were put in harm's way or asked to break the law.
Dangerous or illegal acts included being beaten, raped or sexually
assaulted or assaulting others, stealing, destroying or vandalizing
property, drinking alcohol until passing out.
- While more than 40 states have anti-hazing laws, many of the laws only cover hazing rituals that result in the risk of serious bodily harm, or apply only at the college level, and the evidence suggests that the laws do not significantly limit hazing.
Teaser title:
How Common Is Hazing Among High School Athletes?
Teaser text:
Almost half of 11th and 12th grade athletes report having been subjected to hazing, according to a 2000 study.