Image Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Special Collections & University Archives |
The Vanderbilt University Catalog from 1908-1909 has a line about hazing under the requirements for admission. The 1908-1909 catalog states: All students are required on admission to sign a pledge promising to abstain from every form of rushing or hazing. This requirement may not seem odd to you, but this was not a commonplace requirement at other institutions of that time. During the early 20th century, freshman hazing by upperclassmen was a common occurrence and even considered a tradition by some. This requirement was a result of a 1907 hazing incident that unfolded over a period of several days on the Vanderbilt campus. See this incident through the students' eyes as recorded in articles from the 1907 Hustler. |
Hazing Fun With Penrod and Sam
Below is an excerpt from the film Penrod and Sam (1931) based on the 1916 novel by Booth Tarkington Penrod and Sam.
The Hazing Incident That Rocked Campus!
Sophmore and Freshmen Clash The Hustler, November 28, 1907 |
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Chancellor Kirkland Speaks Out Against Campus Hazing Incident The Hustler, December 5, 1907 |
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Chancellor Kirkland Speaks to Students About Hazing at Beginning of School Year The Hustler, October 8, 1908 |
Curious About Current University Policy?
No Hazing Cartoon, 1909 Image Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Special Collections & University Archives |
Excerpt from the Vanderbilt University Student Handbook The Office of Greek Life, Vanderbilt University
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