Wildcats: Do you know what day it is?
Across the country many universities are recognizing today as the start of National Hazing Prevention Week. According to StopHazing.org, hazing is defined as "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them regardless of a person's willingness to participate. Hazing rituals include physical abuse, kidnapping and abandonment, forced consumption of drugs or alcohol and many others.
While some acts may seem harmless, hazing has several detrimental effects including sleep deprivation, decline in grades and coursework, physical and mental instability, erosion of trust and even death. Hazing expert Hank Nuwer has tracked hazing deaths for over 30 years and reported that 82% of these deaths result from heavy alcohol consumption. Fortunately, strides are being made in effort to prevent hazing in several forms. Forty-four states have implemented anti-hazing laws and prevention programs/campaigns have been initiated on numerous college campuses. However, there are still concerning incidents happening daily and a dire need to stop hazing all together.
So Wildcats, what does this mean for YOU? What can YOU do to prevent hazing from happening on our campus?
You can help by stopping by one of these locations on campus from 10am-2pm to sign the anti-hazing pledge (Student Wellness Ambassadors will be present to answer all questions):
- Monday, September 22: Student Center Patio
- Tuesday, September 23: Whitehall Classroom Building
- Wednesday, September 24: Student Center Patio
- Thursday, September 25: Mining and Minerals Building
- Friday, September 26: Whitehall Classroom Building
Additionally, you can use the hashtags #UKYendshazing and UKYrespect to show your commitment to end hazing.
Other University of Kentucky resources include:
- Stophazing.uky.edu
- UK Police: 257-SAFE (8573)
- Student Conduct: studentconduct@uky.edu or 257-3755
- Hazing Coalition: Coordinator, Marie Hartke - marie.hartke@uky.edu
- UK Counseling Center: 257-8701
Let's make this National Hazing Prevention Week one to remember - stand up, take the pledge and say NO to hazing!
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