Put Pressure on Hazing

Every year we hear about students becoming seriously injured and dying because of the long tradition of hazing.  This year is no different.  I read an article in The Philippine Star about a University of the Philippines student, Chris Anthony Mendez, who recently died because of a hazing incident.  The president of the University, Emerlinda Roman, expresses her grief and outrage at the tragedy.  I have to agree with what is said.  I think it's time for alumni to become involved.

Alumni could be strong advocates to end hazing, and maybe the students would be more apt to listen and pay attention to them.  Many alumni read about these horrible tragedies, but don't have a vehicle to share their opinions, thoughts, and possibly even firsthand experiences on hazing with the kids that are affected the most.

Organizations should use the example of Chris Anthony Mendez and the University of the Philippines as a proactive stance against hazing.  And, they should begin this immediately, rather than waiting for the day it happens on their campus.  By using blogs, podcasts, opinion polls, talk back tools, and wiki's to collaborate, alumni could create content that students will understand.  Allow for a medium in which students and alumni can talk about this, and other issues, your campus faces.

Just because hazing has been around for a long time, and just because it's always been done that way, doesn't mean it has to continue.  It's been proven over and over again how dangerous hazing is.  Give your alumni the ability to be heard, and maybe they can put the pressure on to stop hazing in its tracks.

This doesn't have to start and end with hazing, either!  Use social media tools to get your alumni's input on all the tough issues you know your campus is dealing with.  It's another way to mentor, network, connect, and make a real difference.