{"id":71091,"date":"2025-09-22T08:13:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T12:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/?p=71091"},"modified":"2025-09-28T12:05:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T16:05:40","slug":"mocs-dont-haze-2025-encouraging-utc-community-to-speak-up-and-step-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/mocs-dont-haze-2025-encouraging-utc-community-to-speak-up-and-step-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Mocs Don\u2019t Haze 2025: Encouraging UTC community to speak up and step in\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will spotlight community and safety during Hazing Prevention Week, taking place Sept. 22-25.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The event-filled week, also known as \u201cMocs Don\u2019t Haze,\u201d is dedicated to sparking conversations about hazing, what it looks like and how to stop it before it starts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Co-chaired by Office of Multicultural Affairs Interim Director Chris Stokes and Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight, the week aims to build a campus culture where hazing is not tolerated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to engage different groups on campus, recognizing that hazing behaviors can show up in lots of different types of groups and organizations,\u201d McKnight said. \u201cThis is an opportunity to shine light on the fact that the University has been actively increasing our presence and the education that we\u2019re doing around it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stokes said the <\/span>program,<\/span> now in its third year,<\/span> began as a way to be proactive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was our initiative to create a space where the conversations around hazing were everyday conversations so that people would know what they are,\u201d Stokes said. \u201cWe know a lot of the attention on hazing is centered on fraternity and sorority life, but our goal is to get many of our campus partners and stakeholders involved and show our commitment to changing culture.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He said the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which took effect in January 2025, has added momentum to UTC\u2019s efforts by strengthening campus policy and encouraging more students, faculty and staff to take an active role in preventing and reporting hazing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were already on the front end of it, but <\/span>here are<\/span> some opportunities for us to have more support and people getting engaged,\u201d he said.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the week\u2019s events, UTC maintains a hub of hazing prevention resources at <\/span>utc.edu\/hazing-prevention<\/span><\/b><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The site defines hazing\u2014including subtle hazing, harassing hazing and violent hazing\u2014and explains how to report hazing for both students and employees, including a direct reporting link.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It also highlights UTC\u2019s Student Code of Conduct policies, the investigation process, and the awareness and prevention programming for first-year students, student-athletes, fraternity and sorority members, and employees.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives a lot more clarity to what hazing is … things that people would not generally consider hazing, but those things that can impact someone\u2019s psychological safety,\u201d Stokes said. \u201cWhen people learn more about it, it takes away some of those myths and misconceptions.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of this year\u2019s highlights is a campus presentation from longtime college health and safety advocate Dr. Lori <\/span>Hart, who holds<\/span> degrees from Auburn University, University of Montevallo and Georgia State University.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hart<\/span> works with more than 70 campuses and national organizations each year as part of The Catalyst Agency and serves as <\/span>director of educational initiatives<\/span> for Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

UTC Hazing Prevention Week 2025<\/h4>\n

Monday, Sept. 22<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Media Day: Each council, chapter, registered student organization and all other campus stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the \u201cMocs Don\u2019t Haze\u201d social media campaign. Share Hazing Prevention Week graphics to spread awareness about the mission to end hazing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tuesday, Sept. 23<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lupton Hall Lobby tabling, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n