Hazing on Campuses: Unpacking the Dangers and Finding Safer Alternatives
So things that we need to know about hazing- and- and remember you want to keep going back to this definition- does whatever the organization is doing, the group is doing, create, intentionally create embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and or risks emotional or physical harm.
Hazing can cast a dark shadow over the joy of joining a new group. In this episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes', Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes sheds light on the troubling practice of hazing, often seen on college and high school campuses. She starts by breaking down what hazing actually is—any activity that humiliates, degrades, or endangers someone as a rite of passage. But Dr. Snipes doesn’t stop there.
She dives into why hazing happens in the first place and offers practical alternatives that foster inclusion without harm. You'll hear about the critical roles that administrators, coaches, and counseling departments play in preventing hazing. Dr. Snipes highlights the importance of orientation and exit interviews as key tools for identifying and addressing hazing behaviors early on. She also talks about interventions and how to report hazing incidents effectively.
The episode wraps up by emphasizing the need for everyone to model anti-hazing behaviors and prioritize caring for each other to build a safer, more supportive community. If you're involved in any group or organization, or if you have kids in school, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.