Although forms of hazing have existed for about as long as exclusive organizations have, concern about this practice is a relatively recent phenomenon.
Widely publicized injuries and deaths have brought public attention to the risks of this practice and inspired many people to action.
In the last 20 years or so, activist groups have been successful in getting anti-hazing laws passed in a majority of states.
In spite of this, many people continue to wonder why this practice is considered so dangerous.
The truth is that different people are opposed to it for different reasons.
Some have been personally victimized by school clubs, while others have lost loved ones in serious accidents.
Some people only want the tradition to be practice safely, while others feel it is a fundamentally flawed activity.
This article will explore some of the laws in this area and the reason for them.
Physical Dangers Many groups subject new members to extended trials, supposedly as a fun way to encourage bonding and "test" potential members.
The problem is that these trials often include dangerous activities such as excessive drinking; sleep and food deprivation; physical abuse such as whipping or beating; and spending long periods of time without adequate shelter.
These activities can all too easily lead to serious accidents, especially when they are only being supervised by young students caught up in the moment.
People have suffered from disfigurement, disability, and even death during hazing events in Greek organizations, armed forces, and other groups.
Psychic Harm Some people feel that even if it is kept physically safe, this tradition is still a mentally harmful form of bullying.
These arguments usually focus on the themes and power and control that run strongly through "hell nights" and similar events.
There is also the widely reported fact that humiliation of new members is a key factor in these activities.
Although many people who have experienced these events claim to have suffered no lasting damage, or even to be improved by their experiences, others disagree.
Some students have reported feeling resentment and anger towards the elder club members who abused them.
Others have suffered lasting damage to their self image, and even emotional problems similar to those suffered by some rape victims.
The Law Rhode Island is one of many states with laws against hazing.
It forbids any activity that may put new recruits at mental or physical risk.
Penalties for offending students and faculty who allow this to happen can include steep fines and even jail time.
For more information, contact Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer James Powderly.
Widely publicized injuries and deaths have brought public attention to the risks of this practice and inspired many people to action.
In the last 20 years or so, activist groups have been successful in getting anti-hazing laws passed in a majority of states.
In spite of this, many people continue to wonder why this practice is considered so dangerous.
The truth is that different people are opposed to it for different reasons.
Some have been personally victimized by school clubs, while others have lost loved ones in serious accidents.
Some people only want the tradition to be practice safely, while others feel it is a fundamentally flawed activity.
This article will explore some of the laws in this area and the reason for them.
Physical Dangers Many groups subject new members to extended trials, supposedly as a fun way to encourage bonding and "test" potential members.
The problem is that these trials often include dangerous activities such as excessive drinking; sleep and food deprivation; physical abuse such as whipping or beating; and spending long periods of time without adequate shelter.
These activities can all too easily lead to serious accidents, especially when they are only being supervised by young students caught up in the moment.
People have suffered from disfigurement, disability, and even death during hazing events in Greek organizations, armed forces, and other groups.
Psychic Harm Some people feel that even if it is kept physically safe, this tradition is still a mentally harmful form of bullying.
These arguments usually focus on the themes and power and control that run strongly through "hell nights" and similar events.
There is also the widely reported fact that humiliation of new members is a key factor in these activities.
Although many people who have experienced these events claim to have suffered no lasting damage, or even to be improved by their experiences, others disagree.
Some students have reported feeling resentment and anger towards the elder club members who abused them.
Others have suffered lasting damage to their self image, and even emotional problems similar to those suffered by some rape victims.
The Law Rhode Island is one of many states with laws against hazing.
It forbids any activity that may put new recruits at mental or physical risk.
Penalties for offending students and faculty who allow this to happen can include steep fines and even jail time.
For more information, contact Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer James Powderly.