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 Massachusetts, hazing is explicitly prohibited and considered a criminal offense under state law. The Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law, codified in General Laws Chapter 269, Sections 17, 18, and 19, defines hazing as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. This includes a range of activities such as those mentioned in the description, from forced consumption of substances to sleep deprivation and humiliation. Organizations and individuals involved in hazing can face serious consequences. The law requires that schools, including colleges and universities, provide educational materials about hazing to students and organizations. Additionally, any incidents of hazing must be reported to law enforcement. Penalties for those found guilty of hazing can include fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, consent of the victim is not a defense under this law, emphasizing the state's commitment to eradicating hazing practices.