National Hazing Prevention Week: What You Need to Know

Every September, campuses around the country pause to talk honestly about hazing. National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) runs September 21-25, 2026, and this year’s theme, “Be the Leader. Prevent Hazing,” is a reminder that every member has a role in keeping our sisterhood safe.

What counts as hazing?

Hazing doesn’t always look the way you might expect. It doesn’t have to be extreme to be harmful, and an activity can still be hazing even if someone agrees to take part in it. Pi Beta Phi prohibits hazing, which we define as any action, regardless of intent, that could embarrass, endanger or demean another member, or that creates an unequal relationship between New Members and initiated members.

In practice, hazing can take many different forms. Asking New Members to memorize and recite member details on demand, giving them silly nicknames to set them apart, leaving them out of information given to initiated members, requiring them to dress differently, forcing them to consume drugs or alcohol, assigning them chores other members aren’t expected to complete or intentionally excluding them from activities can all count as hazing. While many examples of hazing involve New Members, hazing can happen at any point in the member experience—including through activities framed as “tradition” or “bonding.”

In fact, research challenges the idea that hazing creates stronger bonds. Most members who experienced hazing don’t report feeling closer to their organization because of it. Real connections are created differently. Trust and belonging are built through mutual respect, and Sincere Friendship doesn’t require anyone to prove their place.

Consent matters too, but it isn’t the whole picture. Because of the built-in power difference between New Members and initiated members, true consent can be difficult to give freely. A member may say they’re comfortable participating—or even seem enthusiastic—but that doesn’t necessarily make the activity appropriate. Participation doesn’t erase the power dynamics at play.

When you’re unsure whether something could be considered hazing, ask yourself: Does this activity create a sense of belonging, or does it depend on someone feeling less included, less respected or less powerful?

How to get involved this week

Here are a few simple ways you can get involved in NHPW and spread the word on your campus.

• Wear purple one day this week to show your commitment to hazing prevention.
• Start a conversation at a chapter meeting about what hazing looks like and why traditions should build members up, not tear them down.
• Take the Hazing Prevention Pledge, committing to take notice when a sister or fellow student is being hazed, speak up and offer support.
• Share the message on social media using #BeTheLeader to help spread awareness beyond your own chapter.

If you see something, say something

Speaking up is one of the most powerful ways to help eliminate hazing. If you ever see or experience something that feels like hazing, talk to a chapter leader or advisor. If you’re not comfortable doing that, the Anti-Hazing Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Preventing hazing is something everyone has a role in. When we choose encouragement and inclusion over harmful traditions, we create the kind of sisterhood every member deserves.