Editorial: Look past the photos; examine the big picture

Pictures of more than a dozen college athletic teams
participating in hazing make it online, and yet the discussion
seems to be stuck at the fact that the photos were leaked to a Web
site.

Wake up. The real problem is not privacy, the problem is that
such behavior is apparently a norm for many collegiate teams across
the nation.

This issue achieved national focus when badjocks.com posted
photos from a hazing by the Northwestern women’s soccer team.
The photos ultimately led to the team’s suspension.

The pictures, which were taken from a photo-sharing Web site,
are accompanied by a link to the team’s roster. The Web
site’s founder told The New York Times that his purpose is to
get universities to actually enforce anti-hazing policies.

On May 17, the Web site posted pictures from another 12
colleges. These photos show that initiation comes in many shapes
and sizes, including male strippers, whipped-cream bikinis and
blindfolded athletes in diapers.

Though some have voiced concerns over the punishment
Northwestern handed its soccer team, disciplining teams and
athletes for such behavior is the only way for universities to send
the message that hazing is not OK.

And instead of shaking fingers at students for posting their
pictures on the Web, university administrators and athletic
departments should remember it is their responsibility to make sure
their student-athletes are being educated and competing in a safe
environment.