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The hazing that is occurring in high schools today are not isolated incidents. It is no longer harmless pranks. Hazing now is very serious. Hazing used to be confined to colleges. But is now a regular occurrence in high school activities, clubs, and athletics.

 Hazing exists because parents, students, teachers, and administrators allow it to exist. That may sound rather harsh but unfortunately it is true. Parents must demand that hazing in high schools be met with ZERO TOLERANCE. Teachers and administrators must not look the other way…they must ignore traditions. Students have to speak up and tell an adult when they see or hear of any form of hazing. It’s that simple. Parents, students, teachers, and administrators…Only YOU can end hazing. Hazing must no longer be part of high school traditions. Instead, emphasize that HAZING is an ILLEGAL activity and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!                                                                                                                             

Since the incident (Homicide) with the FAMU drum major, Robert Champion, many high school bands have been saying, “There is no hazing going on in our high school band.” As much as I would like to believe that, I DON’T! There are three types of hazing: subtle hazing, harassment hazing and violent hazing. The latter form we now know is the most violent.

The legal ramifications of hazing are enormous. Assume nothing. Even if you think your school is clean, you need to discuss the subject, lay out the ground rules and enforce them unequivocally.