Hazing Prevention week held on campus
Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) Greek life continues to educate, advocate and engage the community in hazing prevention week.
In hopes of creating a culture that stops hazing before it starts, Greek Life hosted a hazing prevention fair on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Pavilion.
Greek Life hosted virtual challenges for fraternities and sororities to get involved and to advocate against hazing.
Carle Straube, Theta Phi Alpha Alumna and Sigma Chi sweetheart, said Greek Life at TAMUK is a family and you do not haze your family.
“Hazing prevention week is our chance to show the campus and the community that we are not like the stereotypes you see in movies or hear about in the news. We care about each other and hold each other accountable,” Straube said. “Our Greek Life system on campus does an excellent job at preventing hazing and reporting instances of hazing. I feel that students who are not a part of Greek Life do not know who to contact when they experience hazing in their respective student organizations. That is not promoted enough. You can contact the Dean of Students, the University Police Department or the National Toll-Free Anti-Hazing Hotline. It is important to know that hazing can happen anywhere, not only in Greek Life.”
Hazing, known as harassment that consists of abuse or humiliation as a way of initiating a person into a group, is not tolerated on campus or in the Greek Life system.
Although hazing is not defined as a form of bullying, it should teach others about the similar emotional and psychological scars left on an individual.
Sophomore Kristen Aleman said the fair caught her attention on her way to class and was glad to learn important information regarding hazing.
“Although I am not an active leader in Greek Life, there were several students willing to share their advice and information about hazing,” Aleman said. “I felt this kind of fair was helpful as many of us never know when these tips and hotlines may come in handy. It is essential that I help promote awareness and educate those around me who may not know what hazing is or even how to prevent it from happening.”
Many members apart of Greek Life were excited to share their knowledge with students and the community about the types of behaviors common in hazing incidents.
Cristian Miranda, a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, said hazing prevention week allows him to save others from harm.
“I believe the university does a great job at promoting prevention because we have organizations such as PEP-Talk which I am currently in and we help give the campus a student-led conversation rather than a guest speaker,” Miranda said. “It’s students helping students become better people.”
A national campaign can be the first step in helping others, while national hazing prevention week shines light on the movement happening at TAMUK.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing hazing in an organization, contact UPD at (361)593-2611 or the National Toll-Free Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-668-4293.
