An investigation was conducted
after members of St. Joseph University’s women’s softball team were accused of
hazing its freshman teammates. Sources reported that this behavior has been
going on for a long time, stating that freshman athletes are notified by
upperclassmen of “deliverance week,” in which they are expected to “show
respect” and “realize their place” (Hazing Investigation, 2015, para. 5). The
hazing initiation included forcing the girls to consume alcohol and “mimic sexual
acts” (Hazing Investigation, 2015, para. 6). Joe Lunardi, the university spokesman, reported
interviews were being conducted and appropriate actions will be taken to keep
the athletes safe (Hazing Investigation, 2015).
After the news broke regarding the
hazing allegations, members of St. Joe’s softball team issued a statement for
the community in general. The athletes emphasized their love and respect for
their sport, school and teammates. They also asked the community and fellow
“hawks” to refrain from criticism in regards to the situation. “If you have
class with us, share a dorm with us, eat with us in the cafeteria, we ask you
this: let your gut determine the kind of people we are, and hold off on
judgment in light of recent reports” (Members, 2015, para. 6).
I found their address interesting.
They are clearly proud to be members of the team and want the community to know
that they do not wish to tarnish the university or athletic program. However,
the statement did not deny or admit to any of the claims. It did not issue an
apology or remorse for the alleged hazing or even the “bad press” the situation
is bringing to the school. Do you think this statement should have been held
until after the investigation was complete? Many people view hazing as a “rite
of passage” and believe if it is safe then it must be ok. However, others feel
that hazing is just plain harassment. If hazing is safe/harmless, do you think
it is okay? What do you think would be appropriate punishment for
hazing?
References:
Hazing Investigation at St.
Joseph’s University. (2015, April 3). Retrieved from http://6abc.com/sports/hazing-investigation-at-st-josephs-university/613667/
Members of St. Joe’s Softball Team Release Statement
Following Hazing Allegations. (2015, April 6). Retrieved from http://www.hawkhillnews.com/article/2015/04/members-of-sju-softball-release-statement
Hazing is a tricky cycle to break. If you have upperclassmen that have been hazed by now-graduated athletes, then you can safely bet that the incoming freshmen will also be hazed because that is how the upperclassmen know the routine to be. They go through their hazing as freshmen and look forward to the time when they can then haze younger classes. I recall a situation from my undergrad where a fraternity was suspended for hazing practices and there were rules put in place to ensure they would not haze the newest incoming members. This caused a huge disconnect between the upperclassmen, who were hazed, and the incoming class, who were not. There was anger from the upperclassmen toward the freshmen because they didn’t have to go through what the upperclassmen did.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue with hazing is that there are many levels. Seniors could stick a group of freshmen in a dark closet and have them sort out M&Ms by color, or the seniors could force the freshmen to drink until they throw up. My concern with having a blanket punishment for hazing at a university is: Is it fair to punish a team for harmless fun (M&M situation) when they are trying to avoid a worse type of hazing? They may still want the freshmen to remember where they stand, but not by violence or harmful means. Therefore, I have a hard time finding an answer for what the punishment for hazing should be.
Hazing has been a part of sports and a rite of passage for many years in the sports world. Many people think that it is okay and should just be dealt with and others completely disagree with the whole entire process. There is a fine line where hazing is considered violent and just fine. I am on the fence about hazing as an act itself. If there is a tradition that is upheld and does not put any one in danger than I feel as if it is just a team activity but if the acts include those of St. Joseph's than I think it should be dealt with harshly. I have been part of a hazing process on during college for soccer and at the end of it I felt that the team was a lot closer, but then again it was nothing like St. Joseph's initiation. Hazing should not be about hate and demeaning actions it should be something that brings a team together as a whole.
ReplyDeleteWith the statement that they made to the public I feel that it was made at an appropriate time. They neither admitted nor denied the hazing process and I think that was a good idea on their part. They should be looked at as a team and be punished as a team if the allegations are correct. If they are not than they should not have a bad name attached to them as a team or as an institution.
Amanda Notley