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 South Dakota, hazing is addressed under state law and is considered a criminal offense. According to South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 22-19B, hazing is defined as any intentional or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliated with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, which creates a risk of physical harm to the student. The law makes it clear that consent of the victim is not a defense for hazing. Depending on the severity of the act and the harm caused, hazing can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 6 felony if it results in serious bodily injury. Educational institutions in South Dakota also typically have their own policies prohibiting hazing, which can lead to disciplinary actions independent of any criminal charges. It is important for individuals and organizations to understand that hazing practices are not legally justifiable as traditions or rites of passage, and participating in or facilitating such activities can result in legal consequences.