Hazing Hazing is a process, based on tradition that is used by groups to maintain a hierarchy (i.e., a pecking order) within the group. Regardless of consent, the rituals require individuals to engage in activities that are physically and/or psychologically stressful. These activities can be humiliating, demeaning, intimidating, and exhausting, all of which results in physical or emotional discomfort. Hazing is about group dynamics and proving one’s worthiness to become a member of a specific group. The newcomer, or victim, is hazed. Once accepted by the group, the victim may become a bystander, watch others get hazed, achieve senior status, and ultimately become a perpetrator of hazing. In New Jersey, hazing is a separate criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-3. School officials should be aware that hazing which involves the participation of a coach or a teacher may also constitute child abuse. Hazing may also involve other predicate crimes, such as sexual assault. Hazing may also constitute HIB. As noted in Article 4.4.2, although HIB is not a separately defined criminal offense, the conduct that constitutes bullying may constitute one or more criminal or disorderly person offenses, including assault, harassment, threats, robbery and sexual offenses.
