Ripon College and Hazing
College is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, friendships, and experiences. Many students look forward to joining clubs, athletics, Greek Life, Rally Band, and other organizations to feel a sense of community. However, in the process of joining these groups, some students may encounter hazing – an often misunderstood and dangerous practice. Ripon College emphatically and explicitly prohibits hazing.
As a Redhawk community, we are committed to being active bystanders and reporting hazing. To make a report, please visit the my.Ripon portal (specific directions to location here). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911
Reporting tips:
- Be as specific as possible, including times, dates, names, and locations
- Share facts, not assumptions
- Know that reporting may potentially save a life
Hazing can have serious consequences. Victims may suffer emotional trauma, injuries, substance abuse, and even death. Participating in, or allowing hazing may lead to loss of privileges, suspension, expulsion, or criminal charges. Please review Ripon’s Taxonomy of Process and Sanctions for more information on what hazing can look like and possible outcomes.
Hazing Facts
The percentage of student-athletes who experience at least one form of hazing while in college. The most frequently reported hazing behavior among student-athletes is participating in drinking games (47%). (Allan, E.J. & Madden, M., 2008)
The percentage of college students involved in fraternities, sororities, teams and other student organizations who experienced hazing. Only 1 in 10 labeled it hazing. (Allan, E.J. & Madden, M., 2008)
948.51 Hazing.
(1) In this section “forced activity” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.
(2) No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
(3) Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of:
(a) A Class A misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another.
(b) A Class H felony if the act results in great bodily harm to another.
(c) A Class G felony if the act results in the death of another.
History: 1983 a. 356; 1987 a. 332 s. 32; Stats. 1987 s. 948.51; 2001 a. 109.
Learn more about hazing prevention at these resources
https://hazingpreventionnetwork.org/
https://gordie.studenthealth.virginia.edu/
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/piazza-center/findings-results
Is it Hazing?
Ask yourself these questions if you’re wondering if a situation might be hazing:
- Would I feel comfortable participating if my family was watching?
- If a college staff or faculty member walked by, would we get in trouble?
- Have I been asked to keep these events a secret?
- Am I doing something illegal?
- Does this action violate my values or beliefs?
- Is this causing mental or physical distress to others?
- Is this activity related to the purpose of the organization?
- If a video of me participating in this activity was shared online, could it stop me from getting a job?
What should you do if you experience hazing:
Talk to other members (or new members), to see if they are also feeling uncomfortable. It’s likely that others are concerned too
Keep in touch and stay connected with friends and family outside the group. An outside view can help you gain perspective on what you’re being asked to do. Even if you’ve been asked to keep activities a secret you have a right to share your experiences with loved ones
Talk confidentially with a counselor or therapist.
Refuse to participate in anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if you need to make up an excuse like, “I’m sick” or “I’m going home this weekend”.
Quit the group and find one that shares your values. While this can be hard to do, remember that you know what’s best for you
Speak up. Report what is happening so that it doesn’t happen to others
Call 911 if you believe you are in danger
Campus Resources
You should always feel safe on the Ripon College Campus. Please review these safety and policy pages.