Hazing Isn’t Funny: Why Jokes About Hazing Need To Stop

Student Reflection Piece | April 2026

Hazing is often dismissed as a harmless tradition or a rite of passage. Whether in sports teams, fraternities and sororities, or even workplaces, these behaviors are frequently laughed off as “just part of the process.” But behind the jokes and so-called bonding experiences lies a serious reality. Hazing isn’t funny—it’s harmful, humiliating, and, in some cases, deadly.

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. With the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, colleges and universities are now required to report hazing incidents, further highlighting what many already know: hazing remains a persistent and urgent issue. Organizations like StopHazing work to build safer, more inclusive communities through education, research, and advocacy. While institutions play a key role in prevention through policies and training, students also carry responsibility in shaping how hazing is understood and discussed.

Mass communication plays a powerful role in shaping public perception. Recently, a 2024 video of an alleged hazing incident at the University of Iowa resurfaced across platforms like TikTok, gaining widespread attention. News outlets shared the footage, amassing hundreds of thousands, even millions, of views. While some viewers expressed concern, many others responded with jokes, confusion, or dismissive comments. Remarks like “Who cares?” or “This looks like a horror movie” reveal a troubling reality: many people still do not fully understand hazing or how to engage in conversations about it responsibly.

Even more concerning is how quickly blame is assigned—often to the members who experience hazing, rather than to the groups, leaders, national organizations, and institutions that should be held accountable. While accountability is important, oversimplifying complex situations or spreading misinformation can distort public understanding and unfairly stigmatize entire communities. At the same time, joking about hazing or minimizing its impact contributes to a culture where harmful behaviors are not taken seriously.

On campuses, students are often encouraged to report hazing through formal systems and access available resources. However, when hazing becomes the subject of jokes, it can signal that reports will not be taken seriously. Casual comments like “we’re going to do the Big H[azing]” or “it’s just part of the process” may seem harmless, but they can create anxiety, normalize harmful behavior, and undermine the significance of welcoming processes or initiations. Even statements like “I wish I were hazed” reflect a misunderstanding of the risks and consequences involved.

Changing this culture starts with awareness and accountability. Students are often the first line of defense in preventing hazing. By recognizing the impact of their words and challenging harmful narratives, they can shift how their communities understand and respond to hazing. Sometimes it’s easier to start conversations with peers and hold each other accountable. StopHazing provides free resources that students can use to create change in their communities, such as the Student Action Guide for Hazing Prevention and the Bystander Intervention Guide. Additionally, resources like the 10 Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Groups training provide accessible, student-centered content that helps reframe what it means to build and sustain healthy group dynamics.

As a member of a Greek organization, I have seen the importance of intentional efforts to prevent hazing. My chapter participates in annual trainings, attends educational speaking events, and engages in campus-wide initiatives like National Hazing Awareness Week. We are encouraged to voice concerns and maintain open communication with campus leadership. These efforts help build trust, reinforce shared values, and create a culture where safety and respect are prioritized.

Creating change is not always easy, especially when it requires challenging long-standing traditions. However, change is necessary. Engaging in training opportunities, staying informed about updated policies, and taking responsibility for how we talk about hazing are all critical steps forward. When misinformation appears, whether in conversations or online, students have the power to respond, report, and educate.

Hazing prevention starts with understanding, but it is sustained through action. It is never too late to shift the culture, speak up, and ensure that humor is never used to excuse harm.

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