The Anatomy of a Tragedy: When Hazing Becomes a Crime

The indictment of Mark Kulbis, a former Bucknell University coach, on charges related to the death of freshman football player Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. in 2024 marks a disturbing milestone in the ongoing struggle against hazing in American education. The case raises fundamental questions about the intersection of athletic culture and human rights.

Hazing has long been recognized as a corrosive force within some university cultures, but it wasn’t until Pennsylvania passed its anti-hazing law in 2017 that this behavior was made punishable by law. The charge against Kulbis – aggravated hazing – is a direct consequence of this legislation, which came about in response to the tragic death of Tim Piazza at Penn State University.

Kulbis’ alleged actions are particularly egregious given his knowledge of Dickey’s Sickle Cell trait and his failure to take adequate precautions despite receiving training on the condition. He persisted with exercises that led to Dickey’s fatal collapse, sparking outrage within the athletic community. It is increasingly understood that hazing can have devastating consequences.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office has made clear that this case represents a paradigmatic example of how hazing can become a crime. In announcing the charges against Kulbis, Attorney General Dave Sunday underscored the severity of hazing as “criminal conduct” that “humiliates and dehumanizes an individual.”

This case extends far beyond the Bucknell University campus, with implications for education institutions nationwide. As they continue to grapple with issues related to student well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), they must also confront the dark underbelly of hazing culture. This involves not only implementing stricter policies against hazing but also fostering a deeper understanding of how such behaviors can lead to systemic violence.

The case highlights the need for improved communication between coaching staff, athletic directors, and medical professionals regarding student health and safety protocols. Kulbis had received training on Sickle Cell trait and hazing from Bucknell University itself – yet still chose to disregard these guidelines.

The outcome of this case will be crucial in determining whether the justice system can deliver meaningful accountability for Dickey’s death. As Kulbis faces trial, the nation will continue to grapple with the complex interplay of power dynamics within athletic cultures and the tragic consequences that can follow when these dynamics are mismanaged.

Ultimately, this case serves as a stark reminder of what happens when institutions fail to prioritize student well-being and when hazing is allowed to flourish in its most extreme form. The solution lies not merely in punishing those responsible but also in fundamentally transforming our understanding of how sports cultures can both nurture and destroy human potential.