It’s not uncommon for college traditions to take a dark turn, but few have sparked as much concern as the disturbing practice of "washing machine hazing." This ritual, often tied to sorority initiation processes, involves new members being forced to sit naked on running washing machines, sometimes for extended periods. The intent? To highlight so-called "jiggly" body parts and humiliate pledges, reinforcing a toxic hierarchy that values conformity and shame over respect and dignity.
While some may dismiss this as just another wild college story, the reality is far more serious. Reports from campuses across the U.S. suggest this isn’t an isolated incident. From Montclair State University to other institutions, there are disturbing accounts of sorority pledges being stripped down and made to endure uncomfortable, potentially dangerous situations. The phrase "washing machine hazing" has gained traction online, not because it’s humorous, but because it’s alarming.
And yet, the practice continues, often hidden behind the veil of tradition and secrecy. Administrators may claim strict anti-hazing policies, but the stories — and now legal actions — suggest otherwise. In some cases, faculty members allegedly turned a blind eye or even participated. So, what exactly is "washing machine hazing," and why does it persist in the 21st century? Let’s take a closer look at the origins, the impact, and what can be done to stop it.
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Table of Contents
- What Is Washing Machine Hazing?
- Why Is Hazing Part of Sorority Culture?
- How Does Washing Machine Hazing Affect Women?
- Is Hazing Illegal?
- What Can Be Done to Stop Hazing?
- Washing Machine Hazing and Campus Safety
- Real Stories From Pledges
- Where Do We Go From Here?
What Is Washing Machine Hazing?
So, what exactly is "washing machine hazing"? Well, it’s a ritual where sorority pledges are made to sit on a running washing machine while completely nude. The supposed goal is to expose or mock physical features that “jiggle” during the machine’s spin cycle. This kind of behavior, obviously, crosses a line from playful initiation to psychological and physical abuse. And while it might sound like something out of a wild college movie, it’s been reported on real campuses like Montclair State University and others.
It’s not just about the act itself, either. The ritual often comes with added humiliation — like being forced to pose or dance while the machine runs. This is clearly not about bonding or tradition. It’s about control, shame, and reinforcing a rigid hierarchy that puts older members in a position of power over new ones.
So, what’s the point of doing this? If you ask some, it’s about “proving” your commitment to the group. But in reality, it’s more about submission than loyalty. And the psychological toll on the pledges can be significant, especially when it’s tied to body image and peer pressure.
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How Did Washing Machine Hazing Start?
So, where did this bizarre ritual come from? It’s hard to pinpoint an exact origin, but hazing in Greek life has a long, troubling history. Some chapters see it as a way to “test” new members, to see if they’ll go along with whatever they’re asked to do. The washing machine part? It seems to have evolved as a form of body-shaming, where the machine’s vibrations are used to point out certain physical features.
It’s kind of like a cruel game, really — using technology to embarrass someone in the name of tradition. But unlike other initiation rituals that may involve chores or silly games, this one has a clear sexualized component. It’s not just about fitting in. It’s about being judged and degraded in a very public, physical way.
Is Washing Machine Hazing a New Thing?
Not really, no. While the term may be trending online, the practice has likely been going on for years, maybe even decades. Sororities, like fraternities, have a culture of secrecy around initiation, which makes it hard to track how widespread this is. But with more people speaking out and social media shedding light on these practices, it’s becoming harder to ignore.
Still, many people are only now learning about this, and when they do, they’re often shocked. How can this still be happening? Why hasn’t it been stopped? Well, that brings us to the next point — why hazing is still part of sorority culture in the first place.
Why Is Hazing Part of Sorority Culture?
So, why does hazing still happen, especially in women’s Greek organizations? A lot of it comes down to tradition — or at least the idea of tradition. Some sororities believe that initiation rituals build bonds between members. But in reality, what they’re building is a culture of fear, compliance, and often shame.
Older members, often called "sisters," may think that forcing pledges through these rituals proves their dedication to the group. But instead of creating unity, it creates a hierarchy where the new girls are treated like outsiders until they “earn” their place. And that place? It often comes at the cost of their dignity.
Plus, there’s the issue of peer pressure. If everyone else in the chapter went through it, why shouldn’t the new girls? It’s a cycle that’s hard to break, especially when it’s tied to social status and acceptance. For many young women, joining a sorority is a big deal. It means belonging, connections, and a built-in social network. So, when the alternative is being excluded or ridiculed, the choice feels less like a choice at all.
Does Hazing Have Any Positive Effects?
Some might argue that hazing builds character or teaches humility. But research and countless personal stories say otherwise. Hazing more often leads to anxiety, depression, and trauma. And in extreme cases, it can even lead to physical harm. So, no, there’s really no upside to making someone strip down and sit on a vibrating washing machine just to be accepted.
It’s one thing to have bonding activities or team-building exercises. It’s another to humiliate and degrade someone under the guise of tradition. And yet, many sororities continue to treat these rituals as normal, even necessary, parts of initiation.
What Role Do Leaders Play in Hazing?
Here’s where it gets even more complicated. Sorority leadership often claims to be against hazing. But when they don’t speak up or report what’s happening, they’re complicit. And in some cases, they’re even participating. Administrators, too, may have anti-hazing policies on paper, but if they’re not enforcing them, they’re not really doing their job.
There have been reports of faculty members turning a blind eye or even joining in. That’s not just negligence — it’s abuse of power. And when that happens, it sends a message that this kind of behavior is okay. That’s the opposite of what colleges and universities should be promoting.
How Does Washing Machine Hazing Affect Women?
Let’s talk about the emotional and psychological impact. For many young women, college is already a time of self-discovery and insecurity. Now imagine being forced to strip down in front of a group and sit on a washing machine while everyone laughs or comments on your body. It’s not just embarrassing — it’s traumatizing.
Body image issues are already a huge problem, especially among young women. When you add in a ritual that specifically targets and mocks physical features, you’re reinforcing harmful beauty standards. It tells new members that their worth is tied to how they look, not who they are as people.
And the effects don’t just fade once initiation is over. Many women carry that shame and anxiety with them for years. It can lead to eating disorders, low self-esteem, and even long-term mental health issues. So, no, this isn’t just a “phase” or a “rite of passage.” It’s a deeply damaging experience.
Does Hazing Lead to Long-Term Trauma?
In many cases, yes. The psychological effects of hazing can linger long after college. Survivors often struggle with trust, self-worth, and anxiety in group settings. Some may avoid certain environments altogether, while others may internalize the shame and continue to feel “less than” even years later.
And it’s not just the victims who suffer. Witnesses are also affected. They may feel powerless to stop what’s happening, or worse, pressured to participate to avoid being targeted themselves. That’s a heavy burden for anyone, especially young adults who are still figuring out who they are.
Can Hazing Lead to Physical Harm?
While washing machine hazing isn’t typically life-threatening, it’s not without risks. Sitting on a running washing machine while nude can cause bruising, abrasions, or even injuries from slipping. And when you factor in the emotional distress, it’s clear that this isn’t just a harmless prank — it’s a dangerous practice that needs to stop.
Some might say, “It’s just a washing machine,” but that’s exactly the problem. Downplaying the harm doesn’t make it less real. It just makes it easier to ignore.
Is Hazing Illegal?
The short answer? It depends. Some states have strict anti-hazing laws that apply to both high school and college organizations. But enforcement can be inconsistent, especially when it comes to sororities and fraternities. In many cases, schools have their own policies, but they often lack the teeth to truly hold chapters accountable.
And here’s the kicker: some hazing activities — like washing machine hazing — fall into a legal gray area. They may not be explicitly illegal, but they can still cause serious harm. That’s why it’s important to not only look at the letter of the law but also at the moral implications of these actions.
There have been lawsuits in recent years that have put a spotlight on this issue. One notable case alleged that administrators at a university turned a blind eye while sorority pledges were subjected to humiliating and potentially dangerous rituals. That kind of inaction can have legal consequences, too.
What Do Anti-Hazing Laws Actually Cover?
Most anti-hazing laws cover activities that involve physical harm, forced consumption of substances, or mental abuse. But some definitions are broader, including any activity that endangers the physical or emotional well-being of a student. That could definitely apply to washing machine hazing.
Still, the challenge is in proving that the activity happened and that the organization or school knew about it. That’s why it’s so important for victims to come forward and for schools to take these reports seriously.
Can You Report Hazing Anonymously?
It’s possible, but not always easy. Some schools have anonymous reporting systems, but they may not be widely publicized or taken seriously. And for many students, the fear of retaliation or being ostracized keeps them from speaking up. That’s a big part of the problem — the culture of silence that surrounds hazing.
Until reporting becomes safer and more accessible, the cycle will continue. And that’s not just a problem for students — it’s a problem for the entire institution.
What Can Be Done to Stop Hazing?
So, what’s the solution? For starters, schools need to take hazing seriously — not just in policy, but in practice. That means enforcing consequences, holding chapters accountable, and making it clear that these behaviors won’t be tolerated.
Students also need to be educated about what hazing is and why it’s harmful. Often, people don’t realize they’re being hazed until it’s too late. Awareness campaigns, workshops, and peer support groups can all help break the cycle.
And perhaps most importantly, students need to feel safe coming forward. That means creating real channels for reporting, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring that victims aren’t punished for speaking out.
Can Sororities Change Their Initiation Process?
Yes, absolutely. Many sororities already have positive, inclusive initiation practices that don’t involve humiliation or degradation. The key is shifting the culture away from secrecy and shame and toward transparency and respect.
Instead of rituals that break people down, sororities can focus on building people up. Leadership training, community service, and team-building exercises can all create strong bonds without the harm.
What Role Do Parents Play?
Parents can be powerful advocates for change. If they’re aware of what’s happening, they can push schools and national organizations to take action. But often, they don’t know — or they assume that joining a sorority is a safe, positive experience.
So, it’s important for students to be open with their families about what they’re going through. And for parents, it’s important to ask questions and stay informed.
Washing Machine Hazing and Campus Safety
When hazing happens, it’s not just a problem for the individuals involved — it affects the entire campus climate. It creates an environment where students feel unsafe, unsupported, and afraid to speak up.
And if students don’t feel safe on campus, they can’t thrive academically or socially. That’s a problem for schools, too, because it reflects poorly on their commitment to student well-being and safety.
Colleges need to do more than just post anti-hazing policies online. They need to actively monitor Greek organizations, respond to reports, and hold people accountable when they cross the line.
Should Campuses Increase Monitoring?
Yes, but in a way that respects privacy and doesn’t target Greek life unfairly. The goal isn’t to eliminate sororities, but to ensure they operate in a way that’s safe and inclusive.
Some schools have started requiring chapters to submit initiation plans for review. Others have assigned advisors to oversee events. These are steps in the right direction — as long as they’re enforced consistently.
How Do Campuses Balance Privacy and Accountability?
It’s a tricky line to walk. Sororities, like any student organization, have a right to privacy. But when hazing occurs behind closed doors, it becomes a liability for the school.
So, the key is transparency. Chapters should know what’s expected of them, and students should feel empowered to report when something goes wrong. That way, schools can act quickly and effectively without overstepping their boundaries.
Real Stories From Pledges
There’s power in hearing directly from those who’ve experienced washing machine hazing. One former pledge shared, “I felt completely powerless. I didn’t want to do it, but I didn’t want to be the one who ruined it for everyone else.”
Another said, “They told us it was a tradition and that everyone had to do it. When I hesitated, they said I was weak and didn’t deserve to be there.”
These aren’t isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of behavior that many women have endured in silence. And now, more are coming forward, hoping to break the cycle for the next generation.
What Happens After the Hazing?
For many, the aftermath is filled with confusion, shame, and regret. Some struggle with anxiety or depression. Others cut ties with the sorority altogether, even after initiation is over.
And for those who stay, the experience often leaves a mark. They may feel conflicted — part of a group that treated them poorly, but also part of a sisterhood they were eager to join.
Do Women Ever Talk About It Afterwards?
Some do, but many don’t. It’s not uncommon for survivors to keep their experiences private, even years later. Some fear they won’t be believed, or they worry about being judged for not standing up for themselves at the time.
But as more stories come out, the stigma is slowly lifting. And with it, the hope that future generations won’t have to endure the same.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The conversation around washing machine hazing is just beginning, but it’s one that needs to keep going. Sororities, colleges, and students all have a role to play in ending these harmful practices.
Change won’t happen overnight, but awareness is the first step. By shedding light on what’s happening behind closed doors, we can start holding institutions accountable and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all students.
If you or someone you know has experienced hazing, don’t stay silent. Speak up, reach out, and know that you’re not alone. Because no one should have to endure this — not for a T-shirt, not for a sisterhood, and certainly not for a washing machine.
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