National Hazing Prevention Week is September 21-25, 2026
Phi Delta Theta is proud to recognize National Hazing Prevention Week, taking place September 21-25, 2026. Organized by Hazing Prevention Network, National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW) is a time when communities, institutions, organizations, and individuals make a concerted effort to raise awareness and increase education about hazing.
While hazing prevention is a year-round activity, this week brings awareness to the issues as students return to campuses and welcome new members to their chapters. NHPW is officially held the last full week of September each year; however, anyone is welcome to organize a hazing prevention week at any point of the year. The fundamental objective is to have a specific time in which the entire community is focused on engaging in intentional discussions about the problem of hazing.
Building New Traditions
Two dates that will forever shape the history of Phi Delta Theta are September 14, 2017, the day Max Gruver died due to fraternity hazing at the LSU chapter of Phi Delta Theta, and January 8, 2020, when the Max Gruver Foundation announced a partnership with Phi Delta Theta.
Since Max’s death, Steve and Rae Ann Gruver have shared Max’s story with hundreds of college campuses and thousands of college students to prevent another tragedy and stop hazing. Collaborating with Phi Delta Theta, the Gruvers have decided that, with more than 15.1 million high school students at 23,000 high schools in the United States, anti-hazing conversations and education need to begin before students enter college. For this reason,Take Action: Building New Traditions was created.
In 2025-26, Phi Delta Theta hosted seven high school presentations presented by five of our chapters across the United States.
Since this partnership, Phi Delta Theta has proudly joined in the fight against hazing through partnerships with the National Hazing Prevention Network and Anti-Hazing Coalition. In addition, Phi Delta Theta was present in the lobbying efforts to pass the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law on December 24, 2024.
Hazing Prevention Network is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing. Their goal is to educate people about the dangers of hazing, advocate for change, and engage the community in strategies to prevent hazing.
Get Involved
Phi Delta Theta has zero tolerance for hazing in our brotherhood. No part of Phi Delta Theta’s ritual, ceremonies, or new member process will ask members to do something that makes them feel unsafe. We ask all brothers to take action in the fight against hazing. Below you will find resources and ways you can make a difference during National Hazing Prevention Week.
Review Phi Delta Theta’s Commitments
Phi Delta Theta is committed to continuing its leadership role in higher education when addressing the widespread challenges of campus health and safety. Creating safe environments for our undergraduate students that promote personal wellness is, and has been for many years, a top priority for the Fraternity, and we have several programs to support our health and safety efforts.
Webinars
Hazing Prevention Network has a series of webinars available for National Hazing Prevention Week. Plan to use the webinars in your National Hazing Prevention Week programming—either the live session or the recording that will be available afterwards to those who register.
Education Resources
The Hazing Prevention Network is committed to sharing hazing prevention resources from partners.
Social Media Awareness
This week is a great opportunity for your campus or organization to bring attention to the issue of hazing. Hazing Prevention Network has put together social media graphics and posts to assist in your efforts.
Take the Pledge
As a part of your hazing prevention journey, we encourage you to Take the Pledge! In doing so, you make a commitment to raise awareness of hazing activities in your environment, take notice when a fellow or sister student is experiencing hazing, and don’t be afraid to say something! #BeTheLeader on your campus!
Wear Purple to Bring Awareness
Your campus or organization can pick a day during NHPW (or the whole week) to wear purple to bring awareness to the issue of hazing.
