A number of University of Newcastle students have been identified in online videos participating in a number of bizarre rituals called ‘Hazing’.
The sickening videos show new students being forced to take part in degrading initiation rituals. It is a custom most popularly associated with Greek Fraternities and Sororities in the United States where students are subjected to embarrassing tasks in order to pass initiation.
Newcastle University Student Association President Christy Mullen said the behaviour is unacceptable and the University must do more to rid campuses of this culture.
"The Univerisity and the Colleges need to put in place policies to make students more comfortable to be able to report this so those students that are the problem are dealt with.
"This behaviour is that bit by bit erosion of students personal boundaries. This behaviour is also what results in, and contributes to sexual violence and sexual harassment and assault," Ms Mullen said.
A UON Spokesperson said the University is appalled at the behaviour displayed in the videos.
"The University takes all allegations of student misconduct seriously and act swiftly to remove offensive behaviour from our campuses where it is reported.
Four years ago, the University took over additional management responsibilities of the residential colleges. Since that time, we have worked consistently to develop and implement targeted programs aimed at educating students and their support staff on the appropriate behaviours and our expectations of conduct in our community.
As well as the education and preventative measures, students found to have behaved in this way are subject to severe penalties."
 |
| Photo: Jarrod Melmeth |
