The tabling for National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) at CSUSM took place during the week of Sept.18 at U-Hour on Tuesday and Thursday.

In the media, victims are portrayed as freshmen who are unaware of the organization rules and how to assimilate into that type of environment. By these standards, a stigma relative to joining sororities and fraternities has been cultivated.

Many people confuse the practice of hazing as simply harmless fun, ridiculous initiation rituals and practical jokes on new members. However, this is inaccurate. There are three types of hazing: subtle hazing, harassment hazing and violent hazing.

Examples of subtle hazing can include social isolation, extra unnecessary tasks, and denial of normal privileges belonging to other members. These incidents are on a more minor scale and therefore, dismissed more easily.

Harassment hazing includes threats/implied threats, wearing embarrassing or abnormal clothing, performing personal service to other members. This may cause the victim stress, emotional turbulence, or physical discomfort.

Violent hazing causes victims physical, emotional and/or psychological harm. This was the kind of hazing Matt Carrington, a student at Chico State University, had endured. Fraternity members of Chi Tau,forced Carrington to drink water and do calisthenics with fans blowing on him in the fraternity’s basement.He died of water intoxication.

The NHPW representatives discussed their upcoming event featuring a video and panel which will take place on Sept. 25 in the USU Ballroom at 7 p.m. They gave students the opportunity to pledge against hazing in exchange for snacks.

There is a CSUSM National Hazing Prevention Week Video Contest. To enter, a team of students, staff, or faculty can create a video approximately three minutes sharing the activities their organization participates instead of hazing. The winners of the contest (who will be announced at Cougar Madness) will be rewarded either a free USU event, pizza party or $200 for the activity of their choice.

Resources available for anyone with questions include Student Life & Leadership (760-750-4970); Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) and University Police (760-750-4567). The University Hazing Education Team will present educational programs to any student group, team, class or fraternity/sorority.