[Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction. UF officials incorrectly stated the number for UF’s U Matter, We Care team. The correct number is 352-294-CARE.]
After a thorough investigation, the University Police Department has forwarded sworn allegations to the State Attorney that nine UF students and one alumnus engaged in very serious hazing. Hazing brings severe consequences, both through UF’s Student Conduct Code process and the state’s judicial process. Hazing is abhorrent and is not in keeping with the values of UF. Friends do not hurt friends and endanger their physical and emotional well-being.
The UF community believes its students should be able to excel in an academic environment that is safe. I encourage all UF students, faculty and staff to take a stand against hazing. Join me in applauding the courage of the victims in this particular situation throughout a difficult investigation. If you notice a sign of distress, help each other and do something.
Signs of distress from hazing or other causes may include: bruises, physical discomfort, unexplained injuries, excessive tiredness, physical exhaustion, significant change in behavior or healthy habits, irritability, use of alcohol or other drugs and risky behavior.
In the fall, UF launched an initiative called U Matter, We Care that urges faculty, staff, students and their families to take notice of signs of distress and to get the person in distress to one of UF’s many helping resources.
The U Matter team is available at umatter@ufl.edu or 352-294-CARE. If you notice one of the signs above, please contact one of the helping resources found at www.umatter.ufl.edu/resource.php or contact the U Matter team directly.
For many years, UF has provided a wide variety of programming and training for its student groups and others regarding the dangers of hazing and directions for providing positive bonding and team-building experiences. Despite this longstanding, concerted effort and a university-wide anti-hazing task force just beginning its work, criminal complaints have been filed against individuals for serious physical hazing.
Please reflect on what being a Gator means. Step up and help us eliminate any destructive activity in our community. Reach out to those who need assistance. Together, we can decisively address the actions of a few that fundamentally conflict with our culture for care that so many students experience.
Dave Kratzer
Interim Vice President
Student Affairs
