By LawInspectsYes, Hazing is actually illegal in the United States (well, almost in every single state). So yes, if you’re thinking of involving yourself in such an activity, then sure enough, you should be aware of the fact that there could very well be some real legal consequences down the line. And if you’re new to this Hazing thing, we’ll certainly recommend you to keep on reading because there are a lot of things you should know beforehand.
What Exactly Is Hazing?
Hazing occurs when people joining a group are forced to endure embarrassing or risky experiences or things harmful to their well-being. Consent makes no difference in hazing: it is still hazing if one is forced to do something humiliating, unsafe, or painful. You often find hazing in colleges and universities, fraternity houses, sports teams, clubs, and your regular places of work.
Hazing differs depending on where it happens. It could be yelling at one person, forcing him to drink awful amounts of alcohol, humiliating him or her in regard to some crazy, absurd task, or even forcing someone to do various harmful activities in front of others. They may call it a “tradition” or a “team bonding” experience; meanwhile, it is indeed abuse. Sometimes the victims sustain serious injuries-even mental, or all the way with death.
People may not recognize hazing in many cases. It is hazing when one is pressured to do something that they feel unsafe, ashamed, or degraded in order to gain acceptance.
So, Is Hazing Illegal in the U.S.?
In the majority of the US, Hazing is banned. However, the guidelines mentioned may vary slightly depending on the state. Presently, 44 states and Washington, D.C. have established particular anti-hazing laws. Those states that do not have laws specifically dealing with hazing are the ones in which the act is handled under such categories as assault, endangerment, or harassment.
There are states where the whole emphasis is on the phenomena of school and college hazing, while others have outlawed it in every possible place, such as sports teams, workplaces, and community organizations. Moreover, a few states have gone so far as to state that the act of hazing is unlawful even if the victim had given consent because it is assumed that consent given under pressure is not genuine, according to the law.
Though the penalty or punishment depends a lot on the type of case itself. In some states as Florida and Texas, the events of the death or injury through hazing might be considered as a felony, with the offender being sentenced to a certain period of time in prison. Such cases that are of lower severity are, however, generally considered misdemeanors; thus, the punishments will include such things as fines and community service, but not jail time.
What Happens If You Haze Someone?
Some people might think that Hazing is just a joke, but it is still something that the law treats with a very high degree of seriousness. The results of such a practice can be severe and even last for a long period of time.
It is very likely that you will receive a monetary fine, be restrained, or jailed if you commit an atrocious act during a dreadful initiation, and the exact punishment will depend on the state law and the severity of the crime. Educational institutions may spur you out of school in addition to disassociating the faculty or the group you belong to. You might have a crime record that haunts you for a long time, affecting the decisions of the school and the professional path you will take. These are pretty much the real possibilities if you get yourself involved in this Hazing thing.