PULLMAN, Wash. – New insights emerged after multiple hazing incidents at Washington State University, including one that led to Gamma Iota Omicron losing its recognition. Concerns are being raised on how to prevent hazing in the future.
Doctor Pietro Sasso, an associate professor at Delaware State University, emphasized that hazing is deeply ingrained in culture, not just within fraternities but in various organizations. He noted that hazing has evolved into a more violent practice.
In recent years, efforts at both the university and national levels have aimed to curb hazing, including a federal mandate to report any hazing incidents. Studies are examining how hazing influences young people’s tolerance for violence and its perpetuation as they age.
Dr. Sasso explained, “It desensitizes you right and it dehumanizes hazing and so you don’t think of these people as a victim you think of them as someone that that you should shape and form and shape their behaviors and mindset to fit into a certain framework that you have for your like student organization.”
Dr. Sasso believes that current practices, such as moratoriums on parties and fraternities, are not effective in curbing hazing because they drive activities underground. He stated that the best approach is to educate everyone constantly, at all levels, on identifying warning signs of hazing and how to intervene safely to prevent normalization.
