Hazing remains a deeply entrenched practice across various educational and social groups, despite existing state and federal laws aimed at curbing it. The recent incident at Westhill High School in Syracuse, New York, where 11 lacrosse players were charged with unlawful imprisonment following a hazing prank, highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing this issue. Experts emphasize that hazing thrives on secrecy and intimidation, with many incidents going unreported due to a 'code of silence.' The new Stop Campus Hazing Act mandates colleges to disclose hazing statistics and policies, providing a clearer picture and aiding prevention efforts. However, effective prevention requires a multifaceted approach involving education, public health strategies, and systemic accountability from all levels of educational institutions.

The hazing incident at Westhill High School involved a staged kidnapping prank by 11 varsity lacrosse players, resulting in criminal charges of unlawful imprisonment and significant trauma for the younger player involved.

Despite growing awareness and scrutiny, hazing continues to be prevalent, with experts noting that it often involves humiliation, abuse, or endangerment, and thrives on secrecy and intimidation.

A study by the University of Maine revealed that more than half of U.S. students experience hazing before college, with the majority of fraternity and sorority members subjected to it, highlighting its widespread nature.

Experts like Susan Lipkins and Elizabeth Allan stress that hazing prevention needs to be comprehensive, focusing on behavior analysis, public health strategies, and systemic education rather than solely targeting students.

The newly enacted Stop Campus Hazing Act requires educational institutions to maintain transparency by disclosing hazing policies, statistics, and violations, aiming to provide prospective students and families with crucial information.

State legislation on hazing varies, with New Jersey having some of the strictest laws, classifying severe hazing incidents as third-degree crimes, underscoring the differences in enforcement across the U.S.

Advocates like Jolayne Houtz, whose son died in a hazing-related incident, emphasize the need for accessible data on hazing incidents to prevent future tragedies and inform families better about the risks involved.