Columbus Dispatch op-ed cites UMaine study in call to end hazing

A Columbus Dispatch op-ed cited a 2018 University of Maine study of college hazing in calling for the Ohio state legislature to pass Collin’s Law, a stricter bill aimed at reducing hazing. The study, led by professor of higher education Elizabeth Allan, found that 26 percent of students involved in campus organizations, clubs or teams reported experiencing at least one behavior that meets the definition of hazing in order to join or maintain membership in the group. Hazing is defined as “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.” In addition to data about the prevalence of hazing, Allan’s research also focuses on developing strategies for preventing hazing on college campuses.