Blindfolds as Hazing?

[Kevin]

Laws vary from state to state. Here's Oklahoma's current definition of hazing:

1. "Hazing" means an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating subject to the sanction of the public or private school or of any institution of higher education in this state;
2. "Endanger the physical health" shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 506 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, low-point beer as defined in Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, drug, controlled dangerous substance, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; and
3. "Endanger the mental health" shall include any activity, except those activities authorized by law, which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.

My guess would be that blindfolds in most states are a-ok by themselves and not indicia of hazing per se. However, as I'm sure you can imagine, it wouldn't be difficult to imagine a situation where the blindfold might be used as part of an overall hazing act.

My advice is to know your own state's laws and to consult an attorney if you're still not sure. Your state's Bar Association probably sponsors a "Pro Bono Day" where you can get quick, free advice from an attorney if your group doesn't have an alum who can help you out here.