What do Edward Scissorhands, beer pong, and quarters have in common? At first glance, they might seem like harmless fun, part of the lighthearted chaos of college life. But behind the nostalgia lies a darker truth: drinking games can blur the line between entertainment and hazing.

Every year, students are pressured into activities that go far beyond friendly rivalry. What starts as “just a game” can quickly spiral into binge drinking, medical emergencies, or even tragedy. Colleges across the country now recognize that these so-called traditions are not innocent rites of passage. They can be dangerous forms of hazing with serious consequences for organizations, participants, and victims alike.

Drinking Games: More Dangerous Than They Seem

Drinking games – how many adults remember bouncing quarters into red Solo cups in college? Many of us look back and think about the fun and laughter associated with those games. However, drinking games push students to binge drink by having the “loser” down alcohol in large volumes as quickly as possible. Each year, college students die as a result of alcohol-related injuries.

Drinking games can lead to overconsumption of alcohol, which may cause alcohol poisoning, choking on vomit, and even accidental drowning.

Hazing and College Drinking Policies

Many colleges have hazing policies that prohibit drinking games. While each institution may have its own definition of hazing, it is usually described as any ritual or activity mandated by a group, club, social organization, or team that pressures, humiliates, or endangers the health and welfare of participants. Hazing can include activities where there is willing participation by students being initiated into the group.

Where Games and Hazing Overlap

Many students report feeling pressured to participate or not feeling like it’s okay to quit, even when they feel too drunk. Drinking to the point of getting sick or passing out is one of the most common behaviors reported as hazing.

It is too much to expect incoming freshmen to confidently tell upperclassmen they don’t want to join in the “fun.” More worrisome, many deaths occur when students don’t know when to stop drinking, and bystanders don’t know when to intervene or when to take a student to the hospital.

No student truly wins these games.

From the Perspective of the Organization Accused of Hazing:

Once there is a report of hazing, colleges and universities typically initiate an investigation. Whether it’s a sports team or fraternity, institutions start by interviewing those in charge, such as team captains or members of the executive board of the Greek organization. Local chapters of Greek organizations can also face a parallel inquiry by their national governing body.

Consequences for Organizations

• Colleges can sanction organizations found in violation of hazing policies
• Universities can suspend or revoke recognition of the organization. In other words, the group can be kicked off campus
• National Organizations may disband local chapters before, during, or after university action

Hazing and Sports Teams

Matters are different for sports teams. Teams can be suspended from practices and games and, in rare cases, an entire season can be canceled if systemic issues are uncovered. Suspensions can also trigger consequences with governing organizations like the NCAA, which may impose additional sanctions. Coaches who tolerate hazing are at risk too. Coaches can be placed on leave or lose their jobs entirely.

From the Perspective of the Hazing Participants:

Students accused of hazing face serious repercussions:

• Campus discipline: Investigations under the student code of conduct may lead to suspension or expulsion. Seniors are particularly vulnerable since delayed graduation or loss of a degree can derail career or graduate school plans
• Criminal charges: States have their own laws that criminalize hazing. For example, Colin’s Law in Ohio makes hazing that causes serious harm a felony. Even misdemeanor charges can carry jail time or probation, and these outcomes must often be disclosed on job or graduate school applications
• Civil liability: Victims and families may sue for negligence, wrongful death, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. Even if a student lacks assets, civil judgments can follow them for years

From the Perspective of the Victim of Hazing:

The cost of hazing can be catastrophic.

• Fatalities: Students such as Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University), Andrew Coffey (Florida State University), and Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University) tragically died after drinking more than their bodies could handle
• Medical emergencies: Every year, students are rushed to hospitals for stomach pumping or treatment of alcohol poisoning. Survivors can suffer organ damage, concussions, fractures, burns, and dehydration
• Emotional and psychological trauma: Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Others experience shame and embarrassment for “ratting out” peers or being unable to stop the cycle of hazing

Redefining Drinking Games and Hazing

We must rethink old views of drinking games. While many of us may have fond memories, the risk to even one young life demands change. Traditions passed down by upperclassmen may feel harmless, but perpetuating them can have devastating results.

The stakes are simply too high.

Protect Your Child’s Future

If your child has been accused of hazing, or if you believe they may be a victim, they need strong guidance to protect their education, reputation, and future.

Contact KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense attorneys today for a confidential consultation at Susan Stone (SCS@kjk.com) or Kristina Supler (KWS@kjk.com).