Windows into the Dark: Trends in Media Reports of U.S. Hazing Deaths at Institutions of Higher Education (1994-2019)

ABSTRACT

Student hazing activities on American college campuses have resulted in numerous deaths reported in the news media. Despite regular reports on hazing-related fatalities, no research has examined how these deaths are reported. The current study aims to bridge this research gap by analyzing articles covering hazing deaths in the U.S. between 1994 and 2019. The analysis reveals consistent patterns highlighting the influence of alcohol, different classifications of deaths, punitive responses, and the emotional reactions of the campus community. While these reports provide records of important and tragic events, their recurrent publication may bias understandings of the relative risk of student hazing, particularly fraternity hazing. Based on these findings, we make several recommendations for reporting on hazing deaths and future research directions.

KEYWORDS:

• Hazing
• fraternities
• universities
• news
• framing
• students
• victimization

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy, Dr. Aldo Cimino reports that he has received travel funding to present research to the Hazing Prevention Network, an anti-hazing advocacy organization.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicholas M. Perez

Dr. Nicholas M. Perez is an Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Perez’s research focuses on policing, youth violence, and the opioid epidemic. His research has been recognized through multiple state and federal grant awards, and he has published peer-reviewed journal articles in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Child Abuse & Neglect, Crime & Delinquency, Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Deviant Behavior, Aggression and Violent Behavior, the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, among others.

Aldo Cimino

Dr. Aldo Cimino is one of the foremost experts on hazing. He studies both the causes and consequences of the phenomenon, integrating experimental and ethnographic methodologies. Dr. Cimino is also broadly interested in using science to better inform hazing-related policy prescriptions.