Anti-hazing efforts take on new forms: Individuals from various parts of the campus community advocates against hazing

Anti-hazing efforts have sprung from several outlets on campus this year. The Campus Activities office put forth regular efforts to educate the student body, including tabling outside the Evelyn Young Dinning Center handing out various items such as buttons, stickers, and information on Gustavus Adolphus’ hazing policy. However new avenues of awareness have emerged recently.

Seniors Carolyn Del Vecchio and Laura Isdahl reached out to multiple organizations on campus looking for individuals willing to be vocal against hazing. They were pleased with the response they got.

“It was instant,” said Isdahl, “there are a lot of people who feel like this on campus.”

The students approached Andrea Junso in the Campus Activities office and got funding for t-shirts. The t-shirts read ‘I am a _____ against hazing’, individuals wore the t-shirts on Friday Oct 7 to show support to individuals who may be encountering hazing situations. The Student Anti-Hazing Initiative members want students to know they aren’t alone and that there are other students on campus who aren’t ok with hazing. The blank on the t-shirt was filled in by each member with an organization they are a part of that does not partake in hazing in an effort to show students how many organizations there are that don’t haze.

Sophomore member of the Anti-Hazing Student Initiative Elisabeth McCabe is glad that there are students on campus willing to start this conversation.

“I hope to see changes and for the conversations to change people’s mentality,” said McCabe

Most recently the Gustavus Student Senate has released statements condemning hazing activity, reminding students that Gustavus has a zero tolerance hazing policy, and encouraging Gusties to simply respect each other.

Remember, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t,” Gustavus Student Senate said.