Adelphi University has a very strong policy on hazing. "PREAMBLE: Adelphi University opposes hazing (inappropriate or unlawful activity conducted for the purpose of initiation into an organization) in any form by any person or group associated with this University. Please refer to the Guide to Student Life or the university website for these rules and regulations.

HAZING DEFINED
Any act committed against a student that is Humiliating, Demeaning, or Endangers the student's health and safety.

Such activities and conduct include, but are not limited to, compelling an individual to engage in any illegal activity; forced consumption of alcohol, drugs or any substance; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and/or psychological trauma; wearing apparel in public which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and jokes; participating in treasure or scavenger hunts; morally degrading or humiliating games, activities and events; late night sessions which interfere with scholastic activities or normal sleep patterns; and any other similar activities or conduct which are not consistent with University regulations and policies. This includes appearing on Facebook, etc.

Due to a number of major national incidences regarding athletic teams and hazing it is important that our position is made clear to our athletes. Hazing is an infraction of our rules of proper behavior. The breaking of our no hazing rule will mean serious action will be taken by the Director which, based on evidence and circumstance, will result in expulsion from the athletics program. You will be asked to sign an agreement that you understand these consequences.

Myths & FACTS About Hazing

Myth 1: Hazing is a problem for fraternities and sororities primarily.
Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools and other types of clubs and/or organizations. Reports of hazing activities in high schools are on the rise.

Myth 2: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others---it is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.

Myth 3: As long as there's no malicious intent, a little hazing is o.k.
Fact: Even if there's no malicious "intent", safety may still be a factor in raditional hazing activities that are considered to be "all in good fun." For example, serous accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of group team members?

Myth #4: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
Fact: First of all, respect must be EARNED--not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.

Myth 5: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.
Fact: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.

Myth 6: It's difficult to determine whether or not a certain activity is hazing--its such a gray area.
Fact: It's not difficult to decide if an activity is hazing if you use common sense and ask yourself the following questions:

1) Is alcohol involved?
2) Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they're being asked to do?
3) Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
4) Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
5) Do you have any reservation describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or University official?
6) Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", the activity is probably hazing.