Dr. Ibram H. Rogers is an assistant professor of Africana Studies at University at Albany-SUNY.
Last week, one of the university’s many dance clubs was suspended when hazing allegations surfaced. We learned this week that, in order to register for classes, students must pledge to not participate “in any hazing activities either as a hazer or hazee, on or off campus” and report any hazing within 24 hours.
I applaud FAMU for making its students sign this anti-hazing pledge. I think it should be signed by faculty and staff, too. Actually, I think all colleges and universities should require their students, faculty, and staff to sign a similar pledge.
Nearly one hundred college students have died from hazing since 1970. One hundred in 40 years! The most recent deaths disheartened Vincennes in Indiana (2012), FAMU (2011), Cornell (2011), Radford in Virginia (2010), Prairie View A&M in Texas (2009), SUNY Geneseo (2009), Cal Poly (2008), and Utah State (2008), according to an unofficial list compiled by Hank Nuwer.
Clearly, hazing is not merely a problem of FAMU. Hazing is not merely a problem of club life on college campuses. Hazing is not merely a problem of American higher education. Hazing is a problem of American society, a manifestation of our culture.
I am not necessarily supporting FAMU’s argument that it is not at all responsible for Champion’s death, as FAMU lawyers argued in a motion submitted this week to throw out the lawsuit filed by Champion’s parents. But I do know what is responsible: American culture.
What is sad but true is that hazing is not an American cultural aberration. We live in a culture that allows hazing to not only exist but thrive. Hazing is a product of the ominous American relationship between violence and respect and respect and worthiness.
