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I do not think we need to separate men from women on hazing. It is what it is. We may, however, need new words?
When I was a newer volunteer for my sorority, I often wondered how there could be two definitions of hazing--one for men, and one for women. This may seem like a matter of semantics, but the reality is, there is really only one definition of hazing and it comes from our insurance and legal systems (understanding of course that it varies from state to state.) Hazing is hazing....and most of us know what kinds of activities fit the definition. And the definition is pretty broad, and could include many things.
From FIPG: No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Hazing activities are defined as:
"Any action taken or situation created, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law."
So--I began to use the term 'unhealthy traditions' to define those things that in their purest form really weren't hazing but that had the potential to be if twisted or for which there may be better ways to achieve the same objective. Examples would be things like interviews, scavenger hunts, wearing the same thing, not talking to boys/girls etc. Hazing or unhealthy traditions--didn't matter I was going to encourage the chapter to do something else.
The thing is--no matter what you call it and even if you think its going overboard, if your campus thinks it is hazing then it probably shouldn't be done in order to protect your organization. If your inter/national org thinks its hazing, it probaby shouldn't be done. As someone else pointed out, when you take your oath or vow, you agree to follow the rules of the org. My advice (not that anyone asked) is if you don't like the rules and want to see changes in your favor--then talk to campus officials, other Greeks and your inter/national officers and present them with the FIPG policy, laws or other information and ask the questions before you just do what you want. Its true you probably wouldn't get closed down for making new members collect signatures, sing to actives on campus or wearing all the same thing ridiculous outfit--by why take the chance?
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