Skip to Main Content

Class of 1912: Hazing and Surviving Freshman Year in 1908

Hazing and Surviving Freshman Year in 1908

No Hazing Cartoon

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.

Hazing: Then and Now

The Hazing Incident That Rocked Campus! 

Sophmores and Freshmen Clash

 Sophmore and Freshmen Clash

The Hustler, November 28, 1907

               

Chancellor Kirkland Speaks Out Against Campus Hazing Incident

Chancellor Kirkland Speaks Out Against Campus Hazing Incident

The Hustler, December 5, 1907

        

Chancellor Kirkland Speaks to Students about Hazing

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

No Hazing Cartoon, 1909

Image Courtesy of Vanderbilt University Special Collections & University Archives

HAZING

Excerpt from the Vanderbilt University Student Handbook

HAZING

The Office of Greek Life, Vanderbilt University