Is being forced to dance in a Speedo considered hazing? Here’s what NC state law says
A complaint from a member of the Davidson College men’s swimming and diving team has led the school to review its anti-hazing policies.
The complaint alleges freshmen were forced to participate in team activities outside of practices and competition — some of which resulted in injuries — because of tradition, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Freshmen were “expected to perform” dances in their Speedos during campus events, including in front of the student section at a home men’s basketball game against Virginia Commonwealth University to distract its players, according to the complaint provided to the Observer.
“The health and safety of every Davidson College student is our highest priority, and the college takes hazing allegations very seriously,” Davidson College media relations director Jay Pfeifer told the Observer.
Updates to the college’s anti-hazing policies include requiring all athletes and staff to participate in annual hazing prevention training and auditing traditions with all teams’ coaches and captains, the Observer reported.
North Carolina is one of 44 states with anti-hazing laws, according to StopHazing, an organization that promotes safe and inclusive schools and universities.
Here’s what to know about hazing laws at the state level.
What are North Carolina’s laws on hazing?
It is illegal for any student at a school, college or university in North Carolina to engage in hazing, according to state law.
The state defines hazing as “subjecting another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.”
Those found guilty of hazing can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
How NC college students can report hazing
Most colleges and universities have multiple ways to report hazing, according to the Hazing Prevention Network, a nonprofit dedicated to prevent hazing and educating people about the dangers. Students can contact their school’s student affairs office, campus police or student health office.
Anyone concerned about hazing can also contact the anti-hazing hotline at 888-668-4293, or make a report through their anonymous form online at hazingpreventionnetwork.org.
