Responsibility to Prevent Hazing

Dear students, faculty and staff members,

As National Hazing Prevention Week concludes, recent reports of hazing have heightened awareness of a need for renewed efforts to prevent, stop, and report hazing.

The college experience is for learning inside and outside the classroom. Hazing adds no value. It’s harmful to individuals, organizations, and institutions. Hazing is a threat to friendships, brotherhoods, sisterhoods, teams, and communities. It’s even, at times, dangerous and can be harmful to loved ones.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette does not tolerate hazing in any form. Reaffirming our commitment, I've called for a comprehensive review of all campus organizations at UL Lafayette and our policies related to hazing and substance abuse.

Each year the University conducts mandatory anti-hazing education sessions for student organizations’ members and advisors. This past Monday (Sept. 18), Student Affairs staff met with leaders of fraternities and sororities for an added discussion about the prohibition and implications of hazing. Further efforts will be extended to campus organizations’ members, parents of members, and alumni.

Hazing’s survival relies on peer pressure. Conversely, our collective opposition can bring it to an end.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph Savoie
President