I don’t want to file a false report, so I was wondering if this counts as hazing under school policy.
They make new members
Do push-ups as punishment.
Play beer pong.
Make alcoholic beverages even if under 21 (They don’t force you to drink it, but it’s heavily encouraged), and you are required to serve it at parties.
Casually insult new members as a rule and assert superiority over us.
During certain rituals, they blindfold us and lock us in a dark closet without telling us beforehand.
Giving alcohol to people under 21. One new member was 17 when they had him drinking and smoking weed with them.
I’d report it- it’s up to the relevant deans and authorities to decide if providing alcohol (and everything else) warrants further investigation– it’s not up to a student.
And I’d question whether being locked up by my alleged friends/group members is a sign that this is a group I want to affiliate with.
Every one of those things would be considered hazing by a sorority (National Panhel groups).
Some would have been allowed way back in my day (blindfolding and taking to another location was something we did, and where did we take them? to the sorority house for ice cream!). We thought it was fun and most of the pledges did too (who doesn’t like ice cream at 1 am?) but some didn’t so no longer allowed.
One of the best times I had was learning and singing songs. We sang after every meal and we’d go serenade other houses and frats. We loved it (no one was forced to sing or go sing). However, my daughter and niece both belong to the same sorority (different chapters, decades later) and don’t know any of the songs because requiring they learn them is considered hazing. Everything is considered hazing. Everything.
So it is up to you. If you don’t want to do it, tell them and if it is required to stay a member, report it. It is likely the group will be reprimanded or disbanded. I’d start with the person responsible for new members and tell them you don’t like it, and see if changes can be made. If not, report it.
People think hazing and harassment only happens in Greek life or some sports teams in college, but several music programs have had serious problems (Florida A&M marching band had a death). Sounds like you feel harassed, and that’s what’s important - how YOU feel.
Just remember, if you are part of the club and something happens, your life will be forever changed. Do NOT take on a leadership role in this organization (which is also advice I give to anyone in a fraternity), as you can be charged criminally if someone is injured. SA’d, or overserved/underage.
It seems that clubs are exempt from hazing education at Binghamton. Perhaps you can submit a letter to the University (anonymously?) stating that you think this is a wider problem than just the Greek organizations and sports teams that are required to take the anit-hazing course.