By: Randall Mitchell ~Guest Writer~
The National Pan-Hellenic Council,Student–Athlete Academic Support Services and Xavier University Club Sports have partnered up to present the documentary “Haze” as part of National Hazing Prevention Week.
“Haze” is a film that tells the story of Lynn Gordon Bailey, Jr. who was found dead at the Chi Psi Fraternity house at University of Colorado at Boulder after a night of underage drinking and hazing activities.
The documentary will be shown at 8 p.m. on Sept. 24 in Hailstones Hall.
National Hazing Prevention Week is a national imitative that allows campuses, schools, organizations and communities the opportunity to not only raise awareness, but also begin the conversation about hazing prevention.
National Hazing Prevention Week was first organized by HazingPrevention.org, whose mission is to empower people to prevent hazing across the country.
Many administrators and staff are trying to get the message to students that they are here for support.
“The purpose of the documentary is to bring awareness to the national crisis of alcohol abuse and hazing on college campuses and the psychological damage that participating in these activities can cause to a person, their family and community,” Ms. Joya Dillard, Program coordinator in the Multicultural, Gender and Women’s Center said.
In the past four years, nearly 500 high schools, colleges and other organizations have purchased the film. “It is not unusual for students to immediately text their siblings and friends after viewing the film to warn them about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption,” the “Haze” website said.
Three out of five college students are subject to hazing. However, many students may not understand exactly what hazing is and may not be aware they are being hazed.
The campus organizations hope to educate students about the dangers of hazing and how to identify the signs.
