This week is National Hazing Prevention Week (Sept. 23–27), a time to reflect on our shared responsibility to ensure safe and respectful campus environments. This week provides an opportunity to reinforce our values, educate our communities and strengthen the culture of accountability that protects students’ well-being.
The University of Tennessee System is proactively taking a stand against hazing. While we are not aware of a serious problem, hazing—regardless of consent—can degrade and endanger individuals. That’s why we are committed to keeping it off our campuses.
Last spring, the UT System partnered with the Hazing Prevention Network and the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research, who praised our proactive approach of seeking guidance before a crisis emerged.
Representatives from across our academic and campus life communities gathered at the inaugural 2024 UT System Anti-Hazing Summit. This summit was an incredibly important time of learning and strategy development, aimed directly at dismantling the foundations of hazing culture.
Together, this team outlined the infrastructure supporting our current anti-hazing efforts and developed strong strategies for future implementation. They sharpened our focus in areas such as enhancing data collection and reinforcing training and awareness programs.
Looking ahead, our campuses and institutes are committed to:
- Creating a framework to stop hazing across all UT campuses;
- Conducting campus-wide assessments to see if hazing is happening, how it’s happening and what we need to do to permanently stop it;
- Setting up a coordinated system where hazing can be reported easily and confidentially;
- Establishing campus and system hazing prevention teams;
- Teaching everyone on campus about hazing prevention, what to do if it happens and how to respond;
- Putting in place meaningful, preventative measures and supportive actions for those who may be affected by hazing; and
- Working together on a systemwide Anti-Hazing Week and related events.
We will continue to work closely with our campuses and institutes to establish measurable goals that will chart our success in these key areas.
Thank you to all who are fueling these critical conversations and to those raising awareness during National Hazing Prevention Week. Your dedication to ensuring the safety, mental health and well-being of UT students is inspiring. I look forward to our continued efforts in creating a culture of kindness, prevention and accountability.
Randy Boyd
President, University of Tennessee System