PRESENTATION: Hazing: An Outdated Tradition...with Hope on the Horizon
Hank Nuwer’s informative and emotionally stirring presentations condense what he has learned as a Greek pledge and fraternity member, longtime sports participant and, especially, as a anti-hazing historian for more than 40 years who has written five celebrated books and countless articles on the topic.
As a journalist, Nuwer knows that the best way to educate audiences and readers is to engage them with true-life stories that empower everyone present to seek the hazing reforms needed to save lives, avoid devasting health problems, and ensure all members of all types of organizations receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
Nuwer tailors his presentations to specific needs and requests of his audiences , which include not only students, but also professionals in student affairs, Greek life, athletics, education administration, health care, criminal justice, and the military.
He employs the power of fact with an appeal to reason and each attendee’s sense of justice. He passionately believes that great organizations are made up of great individuals. He has a powerful voice that stays with audiences long after he leaves the stage. Every one of his talks is well-researched and never “canned.” His well-documented, well-sourced research has been cited by dozens of major news outlets around the world.
While attendees will come away educated about the realities of hazing after learning about high-profile cases, they will also be enlightened by little-known hazing examples that Nuwer has compiled in his 40-plus years of researching and writing about hazing. Examples will come from case histories of freshman hazing, fraternity and sorority hazing, high school hazing, occupational hazing and athletic team hazing. Attendees will learn that hazing is an Equal Opportunity Hazard for students of all races, genders, and members of certain occupations.
Overall, Nuwer’s message is one of hope, of compassion, of dignity, of solid journalism; and of reliable data and compelling human interest stories to mobilize the fight against hazing.
Learning Objectives.
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Deeply understand hazing through clear-cut, real-life examples that explain and illustrate the nuances that make certain behaviors rise to the level of hazing activities.
2. Know seven key indicators that distinguish illicit behaviors from criminally illegal activities. They will take to heart examples of seemingly or so-called harmless hazing that exploded to the category of criminal activity.
3. Understand historical and contemporary best-practices that involve students in hazing prevention strategies.
4. Be aware of the consequences and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, teams, bands and institutions when a hazing comes to private and/or public light. They will learn why hazing by so-called renegade, unaffiliated chapters has become a particularly deadly menace.
5. Be aware of the efforts of Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Heroes and other anti-hazing initiatives that provide advice and support.
Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, athletes, student affairs professionals, and coaches.