What is Hazing?

Hazing is serious.  So serious that most states, including Virginia, have enacted laws making hazing illegal.

What is hazing?

According to the website www.hazingprevention.org, hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally:

•     that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule,
•     risks emotional and/or physical harm
•     to members of any group or team
•     whether new or not
•     regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

This means that even if you (or your son or daughter) laugh off the behavior saying it is fine, it is not. Ask yourself these questions before engaging in activity that may be hazing:

•     Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents were watching?
•     Would we get in trouble if the Dean of Students walked by?
•     Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
•     Am I doing anything illegal?
•     Does participation violate my values or those of my organization?
•     Is it causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to myself or others?
•     If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the insurance carrier?
•     When I apply for jobs, can I take the onus of having a criminal arrest on my record?

Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau is a champion for the injured.  Both as an attorney and as the father of four children, he takes hazing very seriously.  As his youngest child is a student at College of William & Mary (W&M) in Williamsburg, VA, Landau was impressed by the school’s robust anti-hazing campaign.

Visit the W&M website to read a comprehensive list of specific behaviors that constitute hazing.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a hazing incident and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).