{"id":28,"date":"2019-09-05T18:40:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T18:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hazingprevention.utdev3.wpengine.com\/?page_id=28"},"modified":"2025-08-19T17:36:26","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T21:36:26","slug":"identify-hazing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/identify-hazing\/","title":{"rendered":"Identify Hazing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"half \">\n<p>Hazing e<span class=\"JsGRdQ\">ndangers the mental or physical health\/safety or coerces someone to endanger their mental or physical health\/safety, regardless of one&#8217;s willingness to participate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Identifying what types of activities could be hazing and knowing what signs might indicate someone is being hazed is the first step in preventing hazing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"box-light sunsphere\" style=\"text-align: left\">Are you or someone you know being hazed? Submit a hazing report or contact Student Conduct &amp; Community Standards at 865-974-3171 or <a href=\"mailto:studentconduct@utk.edu\">studentconduct@utk.edu<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"half \">\n<div class=\"responsive-container\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"UTK Hazing Information\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wv1QNogfldI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<br class=\"clearshortcode\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-0\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-0\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-0-0\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-0-0\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> Types of Hazing and Examples<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-0-0\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Verbal Abuse:<\/strong> Being yelled at, threatened, or intimidated<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal Servitude:<\/strong> Getting someone\u2019s meals, serving as their driver<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social Isolation:<\/strong> Not being allowed to spend time with other people\/groups<\/li>\n<li><strong>Embarrassing Activities:<\/strong> Wearing an article of clothing against their choice, having someone ask another person uncomfortable questions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Power Imbalance:<\/strong> Older individual(s) with more power asking others to complete pointless tasks<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep Deprivation:<\/strong> Attending meetings at obscure hours, driving people around late at night<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pointless Tasks:<\/strong> Completing tasks that have nothing to do with the organization\u2019s purpose<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forced or Coerced Alcohol:<\/strong> Drinking games, rapid or mass consumption of alcohol<\/li>\n<li><strong>Physical Requirements:<\/strong> Pushups, running, forced exercise outside of the organization\u2019s mission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-1\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-1\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-1-1\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-1-1\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> Signs That Someone Might Be Experiencing Hazing<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-1-1\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden change in behavior or attitude after joining the organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wanting to leave the organization with no real explanation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden decrease in communication with friends and family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical or psychological exhaustion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained injuries or illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Change in sleeping or eating habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Withdrawal from normal activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expressed feeling of sadness or feeling of worthlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increase in secrecy and unwillingness to share details<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-2\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-2\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-2-2\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-2-2\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> Is This Activity Hazing?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-2-2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If the answer is &#8220;yes&#8221; to any of these questions, the activity is probably hazing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Would I feel uncomfortable participating in this activity if my family, a university administrator, or the media were watching?<\/li>\n<li>Would active\/older members of the group refuse to participate?<\/li>\n<li>Would I get in trouble if a university administrator walked by or saw us?<\/li>\n<li>Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?<\/li>\n<li>Am I doing anything illegal?<\/li>\n<li>Does this activity violate my values\/my organization&#8217;s values?<\/li>\n<li>Do members defend this as &#8220;tradition&#8221;?<\/li>\n<li>Is this activity pointless\/adding no value to the organization?<\/li>\n<li>Is this activity causing emotional and\/or physical distress to myself\/others?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><br class=\"clearshortcode\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"orange-mark\">Top 10 Hazing Myths<\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"6a7d6022-df5a-459c-819a-872ddaf180d7\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"656\">Let&#8217;s break down top 10 hazing myths to uncover the truth behind common misconceptions. Whether you\u2019re a student, faculty member, or organization leader, understanding these myths is key to preventing hazing and ensuring a supportive campus community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"two-thirds column \">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-3\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-3\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-3-3\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-3-3\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: Hazing is tradition.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-3-3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>FACT: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Traditions are created by groups, and groups hold the power to change or eliminate them. It only takes one year to break a hazing tradition. Remember that the founding members of organizations were not hazed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-4\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-4\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-4-4\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-4-4\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: Hazing makes better members.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-4-4\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> People will behave how you treat them. Hazing motivates people out of fear and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-5\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-5\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-5-5\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-5-5\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: The intent was not to harm.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-5-5\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> There does not need to be malicious intent for hazing to occur. Hazing often takes place when the hazers did not intend any harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-6\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-6\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-6-6\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-6-6\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: Hazing builds unity.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-6-6\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> Hazing isolates each member from the established group. It does not promote organizational unity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-7\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-7\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-7-7\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-7-7\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: Hazing teaches respect.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-7-7\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> Respect and pride are earned, not demanded or taught. When respect is earned, there is also trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-8\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-8\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-8-8\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-8-8\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: A little hazing is ok.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-8-8\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> Even a little hazing is still hazing, and typically becomes more serious over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-9\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-9\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-9-9\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-9-9\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: New members must earn their membership.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-9-9\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> People want and need to be challenged, but in the right way.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-10\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-10\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-10-10\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-10-10\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: If you volunteer for an activity, it\u2019s not hazing.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-10-10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> Hazing occurs regardless of a person\u2019s willingness to participate. Human beings want to belong; the desire to \u201cfit in\u201d is as essential to our emotional and physical well being as food and safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-11\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-11\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-11-11\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-11-11\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: We never laid hands on them, therefore no hazing occurred.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-11-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>FACT:<\/strong> Verbal and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"custom-collapse-12\" role=\"tablist\" aria-multiselectable=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-12\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-12-12\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-12-12\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> MYTH: Hazing only occurs in sororities and fraternities.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-12-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>FACT: <\/b>Top areas where hazing occurs as identified through a 2018 University of Tennessee, Knoxville survey.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fraternity or sorority<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Faith-based organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Performing Arts<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Academic Club<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sport Club<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Service Organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Athletic Team<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Student Government<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-third column \">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"731\" height=\"1024\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-550\" src=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus-731x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus-731x1024.jpg 731w, https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus-768x1075.jpg 768w, https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/smokeyoncampus.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br class=\"clearshortcode\"><\/p>\n<hr class=\"orange-hash\">\n<h2>UT Code of Conduct Prohibits Hazing<\/h2>\n<p>The UT Code of Conduct &#8211; Section 4.10 Hazing, defines hazing as any intentional or reckless act, on or off University-controlled property, by one (1) student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, which endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger their mental or physical health, safety, or welfare. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization regardless of the student\u2019s willingness to participate.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hilltopics.utk.edu\/student-code-of-conduct\/\" class=\"btn btn-default btn-orange btn-lg\">View the UT Code of Conduct<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel  panel panel-default\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#custom-collapse-12\"\" href=\"#custom-collapse-12-13\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"#custom-collapse-12-13\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-collapse\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M0 7.33l2.829-2.83 9.175 9.339 9.167-9.339 2.829 2.83-11.996 12.17z\"\/><\/svg> The Tennessee Anti-Hazing Law also prohibits hazing.<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"custom-collapse-12-13\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse panel-collapse collapse\">\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<p><strong>Tennessee Anti-Hazing Law<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/advance.lexis.com\/api\/document\/collection\/statutes-legislation\/id\/4X55-GPX0-R03M-34T5-00008-00?cite=Tenn.%20Code%20Ann.%20%C2%A7%2049-7-123&amp;context=1000516\">49-7-123. Hazing prohibited.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:<\/p>\n<p>(1) \u201cHazing\u201d means any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any higher education institution by one (1) student acting alone or with others which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student\u2019s mental or physical health or safety. \u201cHazing\u201d does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization; and<\/p>\n<p>(2) \u201cHigher education institution\u201d means a public or private college, community college or university.<\/p>\n<p>(b) Each higher education institution shall adopt a written policy prohibiting hazing by any student or organization operating under the sanction of the institution. The policy shall be distributed or made available to each student at the beginning of each school year. Time shall be set aside during orientation to specifically discuss the policy and its ramifications as a criminal offense and the institutional penalties that may be imposed by the higher education institution.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/advance.lexis.com\/api\/document\/collection\/statutes-legislation\/id\/4X55-GPB0-R03N-43X2-00008-00?cite=Tenn.%20Code%20Ann.%20%C2%A7%2049-2-120&amp;context=1000516\">49-2-120. Prohibition against hazing.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, \u201chazing\u201d means any intentional or reckless act in this state, on or off LEA property, by one (1) student acting alone or with others, that is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student or that induces or coerces a student to endanger that student\u2019s mental or physical health or safety. \u201cHazing\u201d does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.<\/p>\n<p>(b) The governing body of each LEA shall adopt a written policy prohibiting hazing by any student or organization operating under the sanction of the LEA. The policy shall be distributed or made available to each student at the beginning of each school year. During the first month of each new school year, time shall be set aside to specifically discuss the policy and its ramifications as a criminal offense and the penalties that may be imposed by the LEA.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Top 10 Hazing Myths Let&#8217;s break down top 10 hazing myths to uncover the truth behind common misconceptions. Whether you\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":548,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-wide.php","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-28","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Identify Hazing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to identify dangerous behaviors and warning signs, so you can take action and help stop hazing before it starts.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/identify-hazing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Identify Hazing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to identify dangerous behaviors and warning signs, so you can take action and help stop hazing before it starts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/identify-hazing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Hazing Prevention\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-19T21:36:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/hazingprevention\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2025\/04\/20240216_Midnight_Muse_BW_001-2-e1745329738344.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"396\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/\",\"name\":\"Identify Hazing\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/16\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/20240216_Midnight_Muse_BW_001-2-e1745329738344.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-09-05T18:40:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-19T21:36:26+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to identify dangerous behaviors and warning signs, so you can take action and help stop hazing before it starts.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/identify-hazing\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/16\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/20240216_Midnight_Muse_BW_001-2-e1745329738344.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/studentlife.utk.edu\\\/hazingprevention\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/16\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/20240216_Midnight_Muse_BW_001-2-e1745329738344.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":396,\"caption\":\"The Torchbearer during sunset on February 16, 2024. 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