U of A Greek Life Participates in National Hazing Prevention Week "Reshaping the Process"

Photo Submitted

Photo taken in Fall 2019

By  Elizabeth Muscari

University of Arkansas Greek Life will participate in National Hazing Prevention Week from Sept. 20-25. Organized by students and staff, NHPW exists to inform the Greek community on the dangers of hazing. This year, U of A Greek Life will focus on the theme "Reshaping the Process," by offering educational activities and conversations.

Although this year's NHPW events may look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U of A Greek Life has planned safe, virtual, informative events that will promote awareness and engage sorority and fraternity members.

Members can expect to participate and experience in the following activities and events: 

Sunday, Sept. 20

The week of events will kick off week with a live nationwide discussion entitled, "Love, Mom & Dad: Turning Tragedy into Progress" at 6 p.m.  Chapter members will hear from family members of hazing victims. 

"This program will help our organizations understand hazing's negative impacts and think more deeply on our organizations' values and role in preventing hazing," said Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life. 

This live virtual event is sponsored by the Anti-Hazing Coalition which includes the North American Interfraternity Conference, National Panhellenic Conference Inc., AFLV, HazingPrevention.Org, Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and other organizations committed to eradicating hazing.  

Monday, Sept. 21

U of A Greek Life will launch their "These Hands Don't Haze" social media campaign, during which organizations will post photos of their hand signs with the phrase "these hands don't haze" written on them. 

 "We hope that this campaign will serve as a visual reminder to the community that we condemn hazing acts on all levels," said Garry Butler, associate director of Greek Life.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Chapters will stand up, step in, and speak out while participating in the "The Right Way" event. They will take the National Hazing Prevention Pledge, openly declaring their advocacy for hazing prevention and join the thousands of students from various colleges around the country in pledging to end hazing. 

Wednesday, Sept. 23

The Greek community will host the "What Is My Why?" program on Zoom to discuss the importance of why students joined their organizations. Chapter executive boards will facilitate a conversation with members to share personal experiences and reasons for joining their chapter.  Bowser explained, 

"This event helps solidify a foundation based on sisterhood, brotherhood, scholarship, philanthropy, and community service," Bowser said. "It is also providing the opportunity for peer to peer facilitation." 

Thursday, Sept. 24

Members will converse and complete activities about hazing's affects in an online program called, "Tell Me How You Really Feel." Organizations will review hazing statistics and facts, while also debunking hazing myths. Members will participate in interactive activities that will allow them to learn more about hazing and understand proper ways to prevent hazing situations.

Friday, Sept. 25

U of A Greek Life will show off its school spirit! Students will wear cardinal and white (Razorback colors) throughout the day as well as post videos on social media about their love for their chapters. By doing so, students will end NHPW by showing the campus that, as proud Razorbacks, they do not tolerate hazing at the University of Arkansas. 

University Sponsors for National Hazing Prevention Week includes the Charles and Cappy Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center, Interfraternity Council, Delta Delta Delta, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council, and the United Greek Council.