Hazing Prevention & Reporting

Signs of Hazing

• Sleep deprivation
• Excessive absence from class
• Declining academic performance
• Not showered/clean
• Wearing unusual or similar/identical clothing with members of the new member class
• Pulling away emotionally and physically from friends and family
• Defensive responses about student organization membership when explaining unusual events or activities
• Lengthy weekend commitments
• Loss of privileges that may sound unnatural, like having the cell phone taken away for a few days, or prevention from eating, sleeping, etc.

Why Confront Hazing/Mistreatment?

Because activities tend to evolve and worsen each year and what might have begun as a silly tradition a few years ago can grow into a truly dangerous event resulting in injury today. Simply put, hazing’s potential for harm - both physical and psychological - is tremendous. There are other positive ways for organizations to build loyalty and a sense of belonging among their members. Your courage and action today can help us promote strong campus organizations and positive experiences for every student.

Talk to the Student

You might start a conversation by asking your student about his/her experience, i.e., explain the things the group is requiring him/her to do to become a member. If they don’t or simply won’t answer your questions about new member activities, that should be a red flag. Do everything in your power to encourage your student to do what’s best for their health and safety and academic success. In some cases, your student might want to leave the organization quietly. In other cases, he/she might want to report it.  In either case, your support and encouragement will be critical.

Report Hazing

As a university family, the elimination of hazing on our campus begins with reporting. That reporting responsibility focus is on you at the moment you become aware of its occurrence. To report a dangerous situation that is underway, call 911 or 225-578-3231 for immediate police response.

The Report Hazing form allows anyone to anonymously report hazing, regardless of enrollment or affiliation with Louisiana State University.

It is vital that information provided in the initial report be as concise as possible to assist the investigation follow-up process. Names of suspects, victims, witnesses, date, time, and location of the incident are all crucial in the investigation of hazing complaints.