The death of a 20-year-old fraternity pledge in San Marcos led Texas State University to suspend all Greek life activities this month.

The incident is suspected to be the result of excessive alcohol, similar to other deaths induced by hazing-related activities at state universities in Florida, Louisiana and Pennsylvania, which all enacted the same ban.

Hazing is an action or situation created to cause embarrassment or harassment towards members of a group, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.

Although the result could risk emotional and physical harm to individuals, these secretive practices are known to take place within athletic teams, professional organizations and extracurricular activities.

Notable reports citing hazing have cropped up around San Antonio in the last year, including a federal court case around the sexual assault of student athletes in La Vernia and the suspension of seven Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies for a hazing incident recorded on video.

Are hazing practices becoming worse or are more individuals ready to speak up? What are the psychological effects of hazing and why are people compelled to take part in a practice that hurts them?

Why does hazing happen and how can it be prevented?

Guests: 

• Hank Nuwer, hazing researcher, author and professor of journalism at Franklin College
• Caleb Downs, breaking news reporter for the San Antonio Express-News
• Dr. Susan Lipkins, psychologist and author of “Preventing Hazing: How Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Can Stop the Violence, Harassment, and Humiliation” 

“The Source” is a live-call in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m.  Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.

*Audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29