Hazing is the practice of playing unpleasant tricks on someone or forcing someone to do unpleasant things. Hazing is found in many social groups, such as fraternities, sororities, sports teams, gangs, and schools.

“Hazing to me is bullying done to someone in order to humiliate them; it is another form of abuse,” counselor Martha Piedra said.

Most states have hazing laws, but even in states that don’t have hazing laws, individuals can face criminal and civil liability. Hazing is banned on most school campuses.

“In the Ysleta Independent School District we have policies on anti hazing. It is considered a disciplinary action, but there is both physical and psychological abuse involved in most cases. Sometimes, we might have to refer someone for psychological counseling,” Piedra said.

The Sayreville War Memorial High School tragedy brought hazing laws back into the spotlight.

Sayreville War Memorial High School’s remainder of the 2014 football season was cancelled by superintendent Richard Labbe Oct. 6, because of a criminal investigation into allegations of serious hazing among members of the team.

The school suspended seven students after they were charged with crimes that included sexual assault of younger teammates. In the process, five coaches were also suspended, but not charged with crimes.

Hazing has always been a problem but due to the recent widespread of this type of incidents many other states are looking to enforce hazing laws.

“To avoid hazing in the future, a possible solution is to educate people on do’s and don’ts and consequences enforced by the law,” Piedra said.