ANTI-HAZING LAW (RA 11053)

The Anti-Hazing law (Republic Act no.11053) is an act prohibiting hazing and other forms of
initiation rites of fraternities, sororities, and other organizations, and providing penalties for violations.
Gonzalo Mariano Albert a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi at the University of the Philippines (UP),
Albert is considered the first hazing-related death in the country. He died in 1954 during the fraternity’s
initiation right.

Individuals and organizations engage in hazing activities for many reasons. Some may engage in
hazing activities with malicious intent because they enjoy the power over younger members. Others
may seek positive outcomes for hazing activities, such as team building and group development.

The benefit of Anti-hazing law is that it prohibits and penalizes physical harm and violence in
such practices, the government can also protect the youth through this act. The Anti-hazing law
punishes heavily any member who took part not only during the actual initiations which employed
hazing, but also those who helped plan the initiations.

Individuals cannot consent to be hazed because hazing is illegal. Hazing motivates no one, it
hinders academic achievement, destroys self-esteem, and causes emotional strain and physical harm.
Hazing builds animosity between people and does nothing to foster trust, unity, or respect, it simply
makes better hazers.

There are many ways to prevent hazing: Reduce the Power Differential between Members and
Initiates, members of fraternities and sororities do not have the desire to haze, but they are often placed
in situations where they can exert power over new members. Give Members Time to Reflect on their
Actions, Members in a high-pressure hazing situation are more likely to think irrationally and act in
demeaning ways. Develop a chapter on anti-hazing policy, share ideas with other organizations, take
advantage of campus resources, etc.