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 Idaho, hazing is addressed under Idaho Code § 18-917, which defines hazing as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm to any student or other person attending any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Idaho. This definition encompasses a wide range of activities, including those listed in the topic description. Hazing in Idaho is considered a misdemeanor, and if the act results in serious bodily injury, it may be elevated to a felony. Educational institutions in Idaho typically have their own policies and disciplinary procedures to address hazing, which can include sanctions independent of the criminal justice system. It is important for students and members of organizations to be aware of both the legal implications and the institutional policies regarding hazing to ensure compliance and to maintain a safe environment for all participants.