| Hazing. v. t. Any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. |
Unless a Death Occurs: Hazing Examined is an incisive documentary on the pervasiveness of hazing on America's high school and college campuses. In particular, this film traces the tragic steps of Walter Dean Jennings, a Plattsburgh State University freshman, who ultimately paid his tormentors the highest price for admittance into a fraternity banned by college authorities.
The story, although grim and wrought with painful scenes of violence and humiliation, is also a powerful testimony to a university's and community's pledge to not let a death occur without sustainable intervention.
Based on plea agreements structured by Richard Cantwell, District Attorney for Clinton County, New York, the film is granted unprecedented access into normally secret events. Interviews conducted with eleven fraternity brothers responsible for the hazing death of Walter Dean Jennings provide first hand accounts of the event. It allows for in-depth analysis of the conditions that sustain hazing behavior.
The analysis is provided in part by two national experts in the field of hazing, Professor and journalist Hank Nuwer of Franklin College, along with Professor Elizabeth Allan of the University of Maine. Supported by interviews with District Attorney Richard Cantwell; Officers of the Plattsburgh Police Department; William Laundry, Dean of Students for Plattsburgh State and many others. The documentary reflects the effort of an entire community to face tragic facts, learn and caution others against similar behaviors. What emerges is a passionate and emotional argument toward ending hazing in America.
Unless a Death Occurs: Hazing Examined is a production of:
The Media Lab @ Mountain Lake PBS, a collaborative project designed to provide area youth with marketable and germane skill-sets.
Collaborative partners include:
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Distibuted by:
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Funding for "Unless a Death Occurs: Hazing Examined" is made possible in part by:
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