Despite all the efforts to stop it, hazing continues, from college down to middle schools. Experts say the problem is not going away, and in some cases, it's getting worse.
In a recent Florida case, a band student was hazed so badly he could barely walk. He died. Experts say this is not an isolated case.
In a survey, 1.5 million high school students said they were hazed. Almost 80 percent of NCAA athletes report they were hazed initially in high school - and it can get worse in college.
"They add a little bit more violence, a little bit more alcohol, a little bit more humiliation,” said Dr. Susan Lipkins.
Nationally recognized hazing expert Dr. Susan Lipkins says it escalates from embarrassing, like forcing someone to wear a costume, to dangerous. Students have been forced to choose between drinking large amounts of alcohol or physical, perhaps even sexual violence.
She said at one particular school "They sodomized one another with pine cones, broom sticks and golf balls covered in Icy Hot."
Hazing used to be reserved for new members of groups, but now, anyone can be a target, according to Hank Nuwer, who's written four books on hazing.
"Hazing has become a form of cheap entertainment,” said Nuwer.
And something else has changed.
"We see girls hazing boys, boys hazing girls, and using tremendous physical violence,” said Dr. Lipkins.
Chad Meredith died during a weekend lock-in with his hazers. His father was like many parents - unaware of the dangers his son faced.
"I was guilty of this, too, before this happened, and you think well it's just a bunch of horseplay. It's not,” said Gerry Meredith.
He wants to see a federal law enacted, but says parents need to take action too.
"Before every sports season, before every semester starts, talk to your kids. Ask them what's going on. Talk to the trainers, in terms of sports teams. Trainers are the ones who see the bruises,” said Nuyer.
Meredith's brother and sister say all kids have to understand they have to speak up when they see hazing happening to others.
"Don't be a bystander and say 'I'm not part of it'. Now that you're a bystander you are a part of it,” said his brother.
"There's no fraternity, club or organization that's that important that you're going to risk your life or injury for life to become a member," said Gerry Meredith.
Washington state is one of 44 states with anti-hazing laws on the books, though they vary in severity. There is also a petition to stop hazing making the rounds.
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