Students march for National Hazing Prevention Week
By Grace Bertrand
The Rider University Greek Council kick-started National Hazing Prevention Week with the NHP March around Centennial Lake on Sept. 23. The week consists of five events taking place from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27.
“We’re looking to have all Greek members, but also all members of the Rider community, come out and show that we stand together and march against hazing,” said junior finance major Mateo Vasquez, vice president of Membership Development, Risk Reduction for RUGC and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Fraternities and sororities gathered on the campus green at 6 p.m., dressed in purple as they participated in a number of different games and mingled with fellow Greeks to await the start of the march.
Closer to 7 p.m., the march began with one lap around the lake. Afterward, people were free to stop marching or continue going for as many laps as they wanted.
“There are safer ways to build bonds,” Vasquez said. “You don’t need to put yourself in any kind of danger or humiliation, and there are people who will show you that, so don’t think you are ever alone.”
Senior political science major Christina Natoli, president of Rider’s Student Government Association and sister of Zeta Tau Alpha, explained how events like the march aided in building a strong sense of unity and community within Rider.
“Today really emphasizes how you can foster an inclusive, safe and warm environment without the use of hazing practices,” Natoli said.
Natoli, who was the previous vice president of Membership Development and Risk Reduction explained her understanding of the value and power of uniting everyone from all over the school for a single cause.
Rider previously dealt with hazing issues on campus, including the hazing of 18-year-old Gary DeVercelly Jr., which led to his death from alcohol poisoning. Since then, Rider has drawn up stronger policies against hazing and alcohol.
The Rider Anti-Hazing Policy, found on the university’s website, reinstates the prohibition of hazing by any group or organizations on campus. The policy applies to anyone associated with student organizations as well as requires all faculty, staff, campus security authorities, students and parents to report any hazing allegations to Public Safety.
Throughout the rest of NHP Week, RUGC hopes to continue to take a stand against hazing and help raise awareness.
“I think it’s important to show a real community built without the use of hazing to show that it’s not just something that you see in documentaries, but something that you see everyday,” Natoli said. “Understanding what hazing looks like is important for anyone joining any club or trying to find their place at Rider.”
