Hazing remains a persistent issue on college campuses nationwide due to the deeply rooted tradition, alcohol culture and intense need to belong to a group of high status. Through federal legislature and many states’ anti-hazing laws, prevention is possible. “Advancing Comprehensive Hazing Prevention” — a brief co-authored by Patrick Biddix of the University of Tennessee and Robert Turrisi and Stevan Veldkamp of Penn State — offers evidence-based strategies for preventing hazing on college campuses.

In recent years, hazing prevention has been reduced to measures taken after the initial harm occurred. Preventive measures can be taken to address the root causes of hazing and tackle the systemic, cultural, and policy issues related to it. By educating and informing community members of the university setting, the act of hazing can be a thing of the past.

The eight research-informed practices that work to target hazing are presented for different levels. On the individual and group level, bystander intervention, peer-led programs, leadership training and impactful speakers allow a shift in perspective and behaviors. On the community or campus level, online curriculum, advisor training, social norming and amnesty policy tailor prevention to a large group, creating a wide-scale change.

These strategies can be made even stronger when layered with other approaches and reinforced by clear expectations from institutions. While the brief attempts to identify prevention factors, there are challenges that can threaten a campus prevention program. Insufficient staff, limited partnerships and mission drift may force communities away from preventive efforts even if their intentions are in the right place.

Everyone, from campus leaders to community members, can use this brief to make actionable change for the prevention of hazing in college environments. The combination of evidence, research and policy changes shows that implementation can drive real-life change and impact. Download the brief today.