PLNU issues optional training for National Hazing Prevention Week

Point Loma Nazarene University issued a hazing prevention training last week in an effort to educate the student body about National Hazing Prevention Week. This is in response to an incident that occurred involving a former sorority member at Cal State San Marcos, who asked not to be identified for fear of safety. 

She described a harrowing experience with ABC 10 News, which resulted in the national sorority Alpha Kappa Delta Phi chapter being revoked. 

During the anonymous source’s recruitment, commonly referred to as ‘Hell Night,’ she described being blindfolded, slapped and having to participate in hours of hard physical activity. She recounted being slapped so hard with food that her earring was ripped out. She also witnessed another potential member being slapped so hard her nose started to bleed. 

CSUSM Associated Student Body President Abigail Elaine Pollard said that the event and its reflection of campus life were severe.

“It is obviously something terrible that’s happened,” Pollard said in a phone interview. “But it’s not a full reflection of everything that encapsulates student life on campus. The university supports the national organization’s decision to shut the chapter down and is ensuring compliance with policies.”

PLNU officials incentivized the 30-minute training by offering a free drink at Bobby B’s if it was taken before Sept. 29.

PLNU’s Director of University Compliance, Danielle Friberg, distributed the hazing prevention training in a campus-wide email on Sept. 21, which referenced PLNU’s official hazing policy and the Stop Hazing Act. 

Friberg said that the training is designed to inform and alert students of what hazing is and how to report it. 

“Oftentimes, when we think of hazing, we think of news stories where someone was severely hurt or unfortunately died,” Friberg said. “Hazing is actually much broader than that. One of the main purposes of the training is to ensure everyone knows what hazing is and that they know to report it.” 

Pollard, who served as a residential assistant and has friends in Alpha Kappa Delta Phi, said CSUSM has been responding proactively.

“We’re following up individually through the Cougar Care Network, counseling, support groups and conduct proceedings as needed,” Pollard said. “It’s a struggle every time this comes up, but we’re taking the right steps to prevent recurrence.”

While the training is not required for all PLNU students, it is required for athletes and student leaders, such as residential assistants, Alpha group leaders and the ASB Board of Directors. The training is designed to reach groups that are more susceptible to hazing, according to Friberg.

“What we’re trying to do is create a culture where people understand what hazing is and know where to report it if it does happen,” Friberg said. “We’re making students aware of hazing definitions and reporting channels to ensure accountability.”

PLNU’s Associate Athletic Director Tim Heiduk said that while hazing is not a major issue at PLNU, there are still preventative measures in place.  

“We have a regular welcome-back meeting, which includes athletic staff, faculty and administration, and is very helpful in organizing and informing us to prevent anything that could be interpreted as hazing,” Heiduk said.