Anti-Hazing Policy
Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. In years past, hazing practices were typically considered harmless pranks or comical antics associated with young men in college fraternities. Presently, hazing extends beyond fraternal organizations and is experienced by school groups, university organizations, athletic teams, the military, and other social and professional organizations.
According to StopHazing.org, “Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context.”
Since Omega Phi Beta’s inception in 1989, we have and will continue to take a strong stance against hazing. Our Anti-Hazing initiatives are designed to bring awareness and resources to our membership and the community at large.
Omega Phi Beta defines hazing as:
“…any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off Sorority premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quest, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities; the wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading or humiliating activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic and educational; success; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution and respective state.”
According to StopHazing.org, “Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context.”
Since Omega Phi Beta’s inception in 1989, we have and will continue to take a strong stance against hazing. Our Anti-Hazing initiatives are designed to bring awareness and resources to our membership and the community at large.
Omega Phi Beta defines hazing as:
“…any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off Sorority premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quest, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities; the wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading or humiliating activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic and educational; success; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution and respective state.”
Omega Phi Beta believes in providing constructive, encouraging, and educational programs and activities during the New Member Education Program for both prospective and current members. OPBSI is opposed to any form of hazing including any activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of its membership and prospective members. Omega Phi Beta believes that true sisterhood is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility.
Any member who engages in hazing a prospective member does not represent Omega Phi Beta or its ideals. Members involved in hazing will be subject to disciplinary action by the Standards Board of the Sorority. Furthermore, any member who engages in hazing is in violation of the law and may be criminally prosecuted and/or sued in a civil court of law for monetary damages.
OMEGA PHI BETA IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE NATIONAL ANTI-HAZING HOTLINE
If you believe that you have been hazed, or if you know somebody who may have been hazed, please call our toll-free Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE or (888) 668-4293 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. This is an anonymous service.
Any member who engages in hazing a prospective member does not represent Omega Phi Beta or its ideals. Members involved in hazing will be subject to disciplinary action by the Standards Board of the Sorority. Furthermore, any member who engages in hazing is in violation of the law and may be criminally prosecuted and/or sued in a civil court of law for monetary damages.
OMEGA PHI BETA IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE NATIONAL ANTI-HAZING HOTLINE
If you believe that you have been hazed, or if you know somebody who may have been hazed, please call our toll-free Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE or (888) 668-4293 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. This is an anonymous service.