NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University students kicked off Hazing Prevention Week Monday, Sept. 21, with campuswide events focused on education, awareness and preventing hazing.
The Office of Greek Life coordinated a week of programming with student organizations and campus departments Sept. 21-25. Events throughout the week are open to all students and address hazing prevention through education, remembrance, conversation and student involvement.
Students began the week Monday with “Take the Pledge. Take Action. End Hazing” and “These Hands Don’t Haze” in the Student Union Lobby. Students learned about hazing prevention, pledged to take action against hazing and added signed handprints to a display as part of the Order of Omega-sponsored activity.
“Our goal is to create awareness around hazing and help our campus community better understand what hazing looks like, why it is harmful, and how we can all play a role in preventing it,” Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of Greek Life. “We want students to know that being part of an organization should be a positive experience built on connection, belonging, and personal growth.”
Maggio said the week is intended to reach students across campus, including those who are not members of Greek organizations.
“There is a stereotype that only Greek organizations haze, but that simply isn’t true,” Maggio said. “Hazing can happen in any organization or group. By opening these conversations to the entire campus, we’re giving all students and staff the knowledge and confidence to recognize hazing and take a stand against it.”
Monday’s schedule also included two presentations by Dr. Kevin Reynolds in Magale Recital Hall. Reynolds was scheduled to discuss how students can recognize, prevent and respond to hazing.
Events throughout the remainder of the week will address hazing prevention through remembrance, student leadership, community building and conversations about healthy relationships. Activities include “Learn Their Stories, Remember Their Names,” Coffee with the Cops, a hazing prevention session for registered student organization leaders, Sophomore Sunrise and Greek Field Day.
“Hazing Prevention Week is really a campus-wide effort,” Maggio said. “Different campus partners come together to create events and opportunities that promote positive behaviors, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. We wanted the week to be more than just talking about what not to do. We wanted to create positive experiences that show students what meaningful connection and community can look like.”
Maggio said students who experience or witness something concerning should speak up and report it and should not feel pressured to participate in something that makes them uncomfortable.
“I hope students feel more comfortable saying no to things that may make them uncomfortable and saying yes to things that they enjoy and fills their cups,” Maggio said. “I also hope they leave an event this week seeing that friendship is not uncomfortable, weird, or hurtful. Find the people that build you up and make you feel like you are making a positive impact.”