Myth

Hazing is just a harmless tradition.

Truth

Hazing is not a harmless tradition—it’s a dangerous practice that can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. What may seem like a “rite of passage” can lead to trauma, injury, or even death. Hazing is never a legitimate part of joining any group or organization.

Myth

It’s only hazing if it’s physical.

Truth

Hazing doesn’t always involve physical harm. It can also be emotional or psychological, such as humiliating someone, bullying, or forcing them to participate in degrading activities. Hazing can take many forms, including isolation, verbal abuse, and coercion, all of which are just as harmful as physical hazing.

Myth

Hazing is harmless if it’s done with ‘good intentions’ or ‘for fun.’

Truth

Intentions don’t matter when it comes to the harm caused by hazing. Even if hazing is framed as “fun” or done with the idea of bonding, the effects on the person being hazed can be traumatic. The emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of hazing are real, regardless of the intentions behind it. If someone is hurt, it is not harmless.

Myth

Everyone goes through hazing, so it’s just something you have to accept.

Truth

Hazing is never something anyone should have to accept. Just because others may have been subjected to hazing doesn’t make it acceptable. No one should feel pressured to participate in or tolerate hazing in any form. It’s a violation of university policies and can lead to serious legal consequences for those who engage in it.

Myth

Hazing only “a little bit” is not really that bad.

Truth

While there are more and less severe forms of hazing, even low level hazing crosses the line. Even a “little” hazing can have an unintended negative impact on new members.

Myth

Hazing is really just a prank gone wrong.

Truth

Accidents can happen during hazing, but hazing is not accidental. It is premeditated abuse that can be emotionally traumatic, physically dangerous, or even life-threatening.

Myth

Hazing is just a part of college life. It’s been around for years.

Truth

The fact that hazing has existed for a long time doesn’t mean it should continue. Hazing is harmful and unnecessary, and it’s time for it to stop. Universities and organizations across the country, including UNC Charlotte, are working to eliminate hazing and create safer environments for students. Progress is being made, and hazing has no place in modern college life.

Myth

Hazing is just a part of growing up. It teaches you life lessons.

Truth

Hazing is not a healthy or productive way to teach life lessons. True life lessons come from experiences that build character, resilience, and teamwork, not from abuse or degrading behavior. Hazing can lead to trauma, anxiety, and emotional damage rather than personal growth. Positive life lessons are learned through respect, support, and collaboration, not intimidation.

Myth

Enduring hazing is a sign of strength.

Truth

While it does take a certain strength to make it through hazing, many people submit to it because they desire acceptance by others, are afraid to resist, or feel a need to prove to themselves or others that they are worthy or tough enough (e.g., “a real man”). These motives reflect conformity, fear and insecurity, which are not qualities typically associated with strength. In contrast, standing up to a group of abusive peers or breaking free from hazing takes courage. That’s real strength.

Myth

Hazing only exists in fraternities and sororities.

Truth

Hazing incidents have occurred across the country in athletic teams, military units, performing arts groups, religious groups, and other types of clubs and organizations. Hazing occurs in high schools as well as on college campuses.

Myth

Hazing is only an issue in Greek life or sports teams.

Truth

While hazing is often associated with fraternities, sororities, and sports teams, it can occur in any type of student organization or group. Hazing is not limited to one type of activity—it can take place in any community where power dynamics or initiation rituals are involved. The key to prevention is a culture of respect and accountability in every group, team, or organization.

Myth

Hazing must be okay if the military does it.

Truth

The U.S. military does not, in fact, condone hazing practices. The military does engage in a unique type of training for dangerous military operations. This training is conducted by professionals to prepare military personnel for putting their lives on the line for their country. According to the Dept. of the Army’s TRADOC Regulation 350-6: “Hazing is strictly prohibited” and is “an offense punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”

Myth

Hazing is part of joining a group or organization, and it builds bonds.

Truth

Hazing does not foster real bonds or positive relationships. True camaraderie and trust come from respect, support, and shared experiences, not from humiliation or abuse. Hazing can actually create division and trauma rather than unity, and it can leave lasting scars on individuals. Healthy group dynamics are built on mutual respect, not fear or intimidation.

Myth

If you’re not participating in hazing, you won’t fit in or be accepted by the group.

Truth

A group that requires hazing for acceptance is not a healthy or respectful group. Any organization or community that engages in hazing is not fostering true connection or positive culture. You should never have to endure hazing to belong—there are many groups and organizations that prioritize respect, inclusivity, and a safe environment for everyone.

Myth

Hazing is a way to improve the attitude and character of a new member.

Truth

Hazing often generates anger and resentment. Plus it teaches that “values” such as deception, coercion, and intimidation are acceptable means for achieving your goals.

Myth

Hazing is the only method for holding new members accountable.

Truth

While holding new members accountable may be important, there are effective ways to do so without hazing. Effective parents, teachers, and bosses all know ways to hold others accountable without humiliating, degrading or physically hurting them. These skills can be learned.

Myth

Since alumni and current members were hazed, it is only fair that the new members go through it too.

Truth

“Tradition” does not justify subjecting new members to abuse. 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.

Myth

Hazing practices preserve the uniqueness and exclusiveness of the group.

Truth

Since hazing practices are secret, group members often don’t realize that their “unique” practices are typically variations on common themes: extensive memorization with verbal abuse for incorrect answers, sleep deprivation, servitude, kidnappings, drinking rituals, calisthenics, lineups, cleaning up messes, isolation of members, theft, impossible games, sexual embarrassment, inappropriate clothing, absurd scavenger hunts, unpalatable food, and physical violence.

Myth

If you report hazing, people will think you’re weak or a snitch.

Truth

Reporting hazing is a brave and responsible action. Standing up against hazing is about protecting yourself and others, not about betraying people. Those who engage in hazing are in the wrong, and by reporting it, you are helping create a safer environment for everyone. UNC Charlotte supports students who report hazing and ensures their concerns are taken seriously without retaliation.

Myth

If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.

Truth

In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can’t be used as a defense. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent because of peer pressure, intentional or unintentional threats, and the withholding of information about what will occur.