Republic of the Philippines

Notre Dame of Matalam

Mat, N. Cot.

HAZING IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS: A RESPONSIBILITY STRUGGLE

FOR THE CUSTODIANS OF THE SCHOOL

In partial fulfilment of
the requirements for the English Subject at
Notre Dame of Matalam
Mat, N. Cot

October 2019
 INTRODUCTION

Hazing in schools is a significant problem that may result in serious

physical or emotional harm to students who are victims. Over the past years,
schools have struggled with high numbers of hazing, many of which led to
serious injuries or death. Another spread of news represented young people who
were robbed of their future by senseless and reckless acts of bullying and the
goal of this study is to bring awareness to the various ways that states have
addressed (or failed to address) hazing.

There is this case here in the Philippines that happened last July 15, 2016
at UM Tagum College recorded in the video; one cadet officer was seen
whimpering in pain every time he was hit. He was also seen collapsing many
times on the floor several times. It was found out that it was a hazing for initiation
rites for admission into membership in a group or organization. Now the question
is who will be liable for this? Many cases had happened, many lives have taken,
many persons have been hurt yet the action is still continuing. The courts
consider schools to be safe places where teaching and learning occur in a
peaceful environment. Thus, school personnel have a leading responsibility to
protect the safety of students under the functional custody of their schools.

Hazing activities, if not checked, pose a threat to the health and safety of

students. Hazing by its very nature is a private act. Consequently, a significant
number of hazing acts goes unreported. Despite anti-
hazing laws, hazing continues to occur in peer groups, gangs, and other schools
clubs and organizations. Hazing creates stress, anxiety, intimidation, and often
results in physical and emotional harm to victims. Well-defined policies
prohibiting hazing and proper procedures for reporting hazing coupled with
vigilance by school personnel in monitoring student activities may greatly
reduce hazing incidents and minimize potential liability claims for school
personnel.
 When discussing why hazing occurs, many participants highlighted the
need to preserve the power structure of the organization. Specifically, initiation,
intimidation, and jealousy were reasons leaders hazed. Through intimidating and
humiliating others, leaders assume dominant positions on the team and appear
to be more important than the rookies (Holman, 2004). Even in the face of
humiliation, many participants also stated that hazing was fun. Other researchers
have discussed the complexity and multifaceted characteristics of hazing (Allan,
2008; Keating et al., 2005). However, there are other ways that organizations can
initiate new members, which are fun and not based in dominance and abuse (see
Johnson & Miller, 2004).

The instrument that we are going to use in this study is an interview guide
wherein each participant received a background questionnaire, composed of
closed questions. The first part included demographic questions (e.g., age, year
in school). The second part inquired about their experiences. Participants were
asked to place an asterisk by the organization in which they experienced hazing.

One criterion for participation in the study was that the students must have
experienced hazing, either as a hazer or hazee. During the interviews, all
participants reported experiences that would be categorized as hazing according
to the definition. The respondents in this study are students who experienced
hazing since this study talks about hazing in academic institutions and who are
the people who stand behind them to minimize this action.

The study will be conducted after receiving the approval of the informants.
Prior to beginning the interviews, participants completed an informed consent
form, confidentiality agreement, and the background questionnaire about their
hazing experiences. Because hazing is a sensitive and intimate topic due to
physically explicit behaviors (e.g., Bryshun & Young, 1999; Kirby & Wintrup,
2002), same-sex interviews were used to create a trusting environment for the
interviewees. A trained male researcher conducted interviews with male
participants, and a trained female researcher conducted interviews with female
participants.
 CONCLUSION

“I want to save the victims who will quietly go along because they want to
belong.” - The Honorable Judge Kathleen Dekker

Beginning with a long, rich history, the issue of hazing began and has
remained a controversial issue that only becomes more divisive as communities
realize that the practice is moot. Although some fraternities still cling to the old,
violent means of the pledge process, other fraternities are adapting, changing
their ways to both conform to the ideals of today’s society and respect the lives of
new members. 

There are many ways to stop hazing that even a single member has the
opportunity to create an atmosphere that eliminates hazing. Reduce the power
differential between members and initiates. Members of fraternities and sororities
do not have an innate desire to haze, but they are often placed in situations
where they can exert power over new members. By creating an atmosphere
where new members can discuss their experiences with existing members
without punishment, members will find fewer opportunities to haze.

Furthermore, give members time to reflect on their actions. Members in a

high-pressure hazing situation are more likely to think irrationally and act in
demeaning ways. Planning pledging activities in advance and allowing members
to understand and discuss their role in the proceedings reduces the possibility of
making poor, hasty decisions.

Moreover, encourage members to voice concern with the new member

education program. Those who oppose hazing are less likely to speak out if they
feel they are alone in their opinion. Even a single member who speaks out
against hazing can encourage others to do the same.

This way school can minimize the increasing cases of hazing.

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