If you and your college-bound teen spent part of spring break touring campuses, they may have expressed interest in joining a fraternity, sorority or other club. Maybe they’ll be trying out for a team or already have a scholarship.
It’s certainly understandable to be concerned that they might experience hazing. That “rite of passage” has led to serious and even fatal injuries in recent years. For example, a fraternity pledge at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning.
It’s crucial that students and parents understand not just the risks of becoming a victim of hazing but of being accused of participating in someone else’s hazing. The combination of peer pressure, the need to belong, alcohol and drugs can be a dangerous one.
What does Virginia law say about hazing?
Virginia, like numerous other states, has an anti-hazing law. Under the law, “hazing” means to “recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily injury…in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or student participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.”
The hazing charge itself is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, since hazing can involve violence, illegal drugs, underage drinking and a host of other criminal offenses, a student who is arrested in connection with a hazing incident can face multiple criminal charges with long-term consequences. If someone dies as the result of hazing, those involved could be looking at years in prison.
In addition to criminal charges, students can be sanctioned and potentially expelled from school. They can also be subject to civil lawsuits brought by victims or surviving family.
If your child is charged with hazing and/or related offenses, it might be tempting to let them face the consequences – particularly if they admit to some culpability. However, with their future at stake, it’s crucial to ensure that they have sound legal guidance to protect their rights.
