Cougs don't haze.
Being a Coug means being part of a respectful, safe community that welcomes and includes everyone. Hazing hurts individuals and our entire campus community by creating environments of fear and discrimination.
Share this message: You can download a PDF of this information here: Hazing Prevention Handout. We also have graphics you can use on social media, zoom, and email: square, vertical story/reel, and banner image.
Examples of Hazing Behaviors
Hazing can take many forms, and it may not look like what you’re expecting. Some examples of hazing include:
-
Intimidation
- Social isolation
- Using demeaning names for initiates and demanding titles (Ms., Mr.) for existing members
- Assigning meaningless or impossible tasks
- Requiring new members to carry specific items at all times
- Deceptions
- Behavior and/or activities that reinforce power differentials
Intimidation behaviors are often low in severity but high in frequency.
-
Harassment
- Verbal abuse, yelling
- Threats or implied threats
- Sleep deprivation
- Requiring "pranks" such as stealing from or harassing another organization
- Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
- Requiring new members to perform services for existing members (cleaning, errands)
Harassment behaviors are often of medium severity and frequency.
-
Violence
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, and/or disgusting substances
- Abductions and/or limiting someone's ability to leave a situation or place
- Bondage
- Total or partial nudity
Violent behaviors are high in severity but typically low in frequency.
If you’re not sure if something is hazing, try asking yourself the following questions:
- Would I feel comfortable with this activity if my family were watching?
- Does this activity violate any WSU or organizational standards or codes of conduct?
- Is this activity illegal?
- Does this activity cause participants emotional, physical, or mental distress?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please make a report to the university.