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 Indiana, hazing is addressed under Indiana Code 35-42-2-2, which defines hazing as forcing or requiring another person, with or without their consent, to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury as a condition of association with a group or organization. This can include acts typically associated with initiation into a student organization or any other group. Hazing in Indiana is considered a criminal offense and can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the hazing results in serious bodily injury, the offense can be elevated to a Level 6 felony. Indiana's approach to hazing reflects a recognition of the potential harm and risks associated with such practices, and the law serves as a deterrent to prevent such behavior in organizations, including those within educational institutions. Schools and universities in Indiana also typically have their own policies and disciplinary procedures to address hazing, which can include sanctions independent of the state's criminal justice system.