Hazing can be subtle, harassing, or violent in nature. It can manifest itself in the form of physical violence, forced physical activities, or psychological and/or emotional harm. If you're not sure whether or not something happening to you or to someone else is hazing, ask yourself these questions:

• Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents were watching?
• Would we get in trouble if a college administrator or faculty walked by and saw us?
• Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
• Am I doing anything illegal?
• Does participation in this activity violate my values or those of this organization?
• Is this causing emotional or physical distress or stress to myself or to others?

There are consequences for individuals and organizations involved in hazing activities. It is important to understand how actions impact the individuals being hazed, those conducting the activities, and the organization they belong to.

The media is full of stories reporting one of the worst possible consequences of hazing: death. While death is a horrendous possible outcome, there are far more examples of less severe but still life-altering consequences. One study has shown that 71% of those who are hazed suffer from negative consequences. These consequences may include:

• Physical, emotional, and/or mental instability
• Sleep deprivation
• Loss of sense of control and empowerment
• Decline in grades and coursework
• Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
• Post-traumatic stress syndrome
• Loss of respect for and interest in being part of the organization
• Erosion of trust within the group members
• Illness or hospitalization with additional effects on family and friends

Those who are leading or participating in the hazing may unintentionally trigger the memory of a traumatic event in the victim’s past that could result in devastating consequences.

Someone who has been hazed is more likely to haze others in the future.

Those who are accused of engaging in the hazing behaviors may face:

• University action

The New Mexico State University Student Code of Conduct, prohibits hazing. Those who are found responsible for hazing face sanctions which may range from participating in educational programming to separation from the University (suspension or expulsion).

• Membership and Organizational Sanctions

Inter/national organizations may impose membership sanctions (probation, suspension or expulsion) and those that receive housing, scholarships, or financial assistance thorugh the national organization may lose all of those benefits.

Student organizations my suspend or terminate officer duties and/or membership.

Teams may suspend atheletes privileges or remove a student from a team.

• Personal impact

In addition to being accountable to the organization, the University, the state criminal process, and civil litigation, those that haze may experience the following:

• Decline in grades and coursework
• Relationships with friends, significant others, and family suffer
• Loss of connection to alums through the organization
• Media scrutiny
• Damage to one's personal reputation
• Warped sense of leadership
• Feelings of shame and guilt

For the organization doing the hazing

By participating in hazing, not only are individuals affected, but the organization also suffers. Individuals and their organization are accountable to the national and/or international offices as well as institutional and local governing boards. In addition to the organization or team being shut down, the following outcomes may result when members of an organization or team participate in hazing:

• Loss of reputation within the University community and the national community
• Loss of recognition for the organization and/or other privileges revoked
• Suspension of team and/or loss of privileges
• Civil damages may be levied against the organization
• Chapter officers may be held responsible
• A gradual erosion of the true meaning and values of the organization

When you see something happening that you know is wrong, you have the opportunity to step in and help. Hazing can be difficult to see from the outside because it is rooted in secrecy and those who have been hazed may feel ashamed, scared, or guilty. Here are some signs you can look for in your friends, classmates, and neighbors.

• Intoxication and/or overdose following organizational events or activities
• Carrying around random items everywhere they go
• Branding, Cutting, or odd writing on body
• Being away from home or residence hall room for days or weeks at a time
• Performing odd tasks or completing chores for more senior teammates or members
• Being dropped off somewhere and made to find their way back
• Extreme fatigue or lack of concentration from sleep deprivation
• Signs of injury or illness following organizational evens or activities
• Physical exertion from unnecessary wall sits, planking, running, or other calisthenics
• Change in personality or increased isolation
• Sudden or increased feeling of sadness and inferior