YOUNGSTOWN Choffin Career and Technical Center will host a series of anti-hazing seminars today as part of National Anti-Hazing Week. Members of four Greek letter organizations will speak with juniors and seniors about hazing prevention.

The organizations involved are Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

According to a media advisory from Choffin, the organizations were chosen for their history of leadership, community service, and commitment to creating safe environments. The seminars are designed to help students identify different types of hazing, understand why it happens, and learn how to intervene safely.

The event comes weeks after a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against Ursuline High School and several individuals, including coaches and players. The suit alleges a student was physically and sexually assaulted during a hazing incident on a multi-state trip in June. School officials have yet to file a response to the lawsuit.

This lawsuit has drawn attention to the issue of hazing. According to the Hazing Prevention Network, National Hazing Prevention Week is an opportunity for communities to address the problem. Individuals can help create safer environments by participating in events and using available resources.

According to the Hazing Prevention Network, hazing?is a power dynamic behavior aimed at screening, fostering bonds, or establishing standing in organizations that risks the health and safety of individuals, causing deliberate or unforeseen physical and/or emotional harm counter to the organization's purposes.

An estimated 1.5 million high school students experience hazing each year. 47% of students come to college having experienced hazing, according to the network.

The seminars at Choffin today are an effort to educate young people about the dangers of hazing and how to prevent it. They are part of a broader effort to address hazing and encourage a culture of respect and safety in schools and communities.

The seminars are scheduled to take place in the Main Commons at Choffin. Junior sessions are planned for the morning, with a session for all seniors later in the day.