July 23, 2009

National Hazing Prevention Week is being observed at California State University, Fresno with several activities including a panel today (Sept. 27) from 3-4 p.m. featuring a panel in the University Student Union Rooms 312-314.

Laura E. Williams, Greek Life and Activities adviser at Fresno State, said the observance activities are intended for all students and student organizations to heighten awareness of hazing, its potential consequences for the individuals hazing and for those being hazed.

“California state law changed in January regarding hazing, which is now a felony,” she said. “It is important to educate our students and the community about what this means and what hazing truly is.”

Williams said this is not just a Greek issue but a general student issue.

“This effort will hopefully bring a tradition to Fresno State of taking part in this national week and enlighten the community in general about the dangers of hazing left unchecked,” Williams said.

Presented by the Greek Life Office in the Division of Student Affairs, the three-day event began last night with a talk by hazing prevention expert Travis Apgar and concludes Friday with a film presentation from 1-3 p.m. in USU 312-314. All events are free and open to the public.

Today’s panel will discuss changes in California’s Hazing Laws, the police perspective on hazing, the university perspective on hazing and will take questions from the audience.

The panelists are Williams; Joyce Ester, Fresno State assistant vice president for judicial affairs; and Lt. Lupe Canales Shrum of the University Police Department.

Friday’s film, “Hazing: A Greek Tragedy with Eileen Stevens,” focuses on the death of Stevens’ son, Chuck, from a hazing incident while he was joining a fraternity. Stevens has worked to bring awareness about hazing and enact changes in laws and university policies, empowering students and community members to take action against hazing.

The talk last night by Apgar, associate dean of students at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., whose expertise in hazing was fueled by his own personal college experience was on “Hazing: The Fallout." Apgar told his story of the pain and hidden harm caused by his experiences.

The week’s activities are funded by Student Affairs Plan for Excellence funding and the Student Activities and Leadership Development office