Hazing practices continue to persist in college campuses across the United States, despite the prevalence of anti-hazing laws and school policies. These instances of hazing occur not only within Greek organizations or athletic teams, but across multiple facets of collegiate life, highlighting the broader social issue at hand.
The recent hazing allegations at Northwestern University, and the subsequent lawsuits they’ve sparked, reiterate this disturbing fact. Understanding why these practices continue unmitigated within the educational institution despite stringent laws, warrants serious contemplation and action.
The spectrum of hazing activities range from harmless pranks to horrifically dangerous actions that have resulted in severe physical harm and even death. While policies and anti-hazing laws attempt to combat such behavior, the inability to fully eradicate the culture of hazing indicates a gap in both social and legal measures currently in place.
Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP, the law firm dealing with the Northwestern case, have underscored the urgency to grasp the problem’s extent better and take more robust measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The existing laws and regulations seem to be powerless in the face of this deep-rooted cultural issue on campuses. This scenario calls for a dedicated effort in spreading social and legal awareness to stem such activities from flourishing.
The professional corporate and legal community must recognize hazing as a critical social and legal issue needing immediate attention and proactive intervention. Legal professionals and corporations need to be instrumental in structuring policies that ensure a safe environment for students and penalize those involved in hazing practices.
While the Northwestern case could serve as a precipitating incident driving universities to tighten their regulations and enforcement, unless a collective effort arises from students, parents, educators and, importantly, legal professionals, hazing practices may continue to mar the college experience of countless students.