Hazing generally includes mistreatment of students or other persons (pledges or plebes) in a ritualistic or tradition-based way that must be endured by the prospective members to gain admission to a group, club, or organization. The members doing the hazing often attempt to justify these hazing practices by referring to them as a rite of passage or rationalizing that all current members had to endure it and new prospective members should as well.

Hazing can take many forms, including:

• Requiring victims to act as a personal servant to senior (older) group members

• Forcing victims to binge drink or consume large amounts of alcohol or drugs

• Requiring victims to engage in embarrassing acts, such as wearing a costume or sign around their neck in public

• Depriving victims of sleep, food, or the ability to use the restroom

• Prohibiting victims from associating with family, friends, or other persons

• Swearing or yelling insults at victims.

Most schools have policies against hazing and in many states hazing may be prosecuted as a criminal offense if it results in bodily injury.

In Arizona, hazing is addressed under Arizona Revised Statutes §15-2301, which defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student or other person that is designed to be a prerequisite for admission into any affiliation with any organization. The law prohibits hazing if it is likely to cause physical injury or endanger the mental health of a student. Arizona law requires educational institutions to adopt and enforce anti-hazing policies, and violations of these policies can lead to disciplinary actions. Furthermore, individuals who engage in hazing activities that result in serious physical injury or death may face criminal charges, including misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the incident. It is important for students and members of organizations to understand that hazing is not a lawful or acceptable practice in Arizona, and participation in such activities can have serious legal consequences.