There are many advantages to joining Greek life, the system of sororities and fraternities on a college campus, such as lifelong friends and community. However, there is one issue that lies beneath the surface: hazing. What begins as simple initiation rituals can lead to humiliation, danger and possibly tragedy.

Hazing is defined as an activity expected of someone joining a group or activity that acts to humiliate, degrade or abuse a person, which will happen despite an individual’s unwillingness to participate.

According to USA Today, in February 2025, Southern University student Caleb Wilson died after being punched during a hazing ritual, a tragic event that has intensified the focus on hazing prevention.

When thinking about the future, Lincoln students are considering joining Greek life. Senior Macleay Brundage plans to join a sorority in college and acknowledges the dangers of hazing.

“As [hazing] is used right now, it is pretty negative because it is all about belittling people, which is [against the stated values of] frats and sororities,” said Brundage.

Sororities and fraternities can be a place to find community, but the danger of hazing has impacted people’s decisions.

Leena Karmarkar, a Lincoln alum class of 2025 and a freshman at Purdue University, is a part of the sorority Pi Beta Phi. She acknowledges hazing and its prevalence at her school.

“I have friends in frats that have experienced hazing,” said Karmarkar.

According to The Guardian, only ten U.S. states classify hazing as a felony, leading to inconsistencies in how cases are handled.

Every fall, Sept. 22-26, the Hazing Prevention Network organizes a National Hazing Prevention Week at college campuses around the nation. This week is a time when communities, institutions, organizations and individuals make a concerted effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing. The 2025 theme was “Be the leader. Prevent hazing.” with a hazing prevention focus on education, advocacy, awareness and fundraising.