Complaints from first-year students at Morocco’s National School of Mineral Industry in Rabat have reignited debate over hazing, with students alleging forced shaving, sleep deprivation, humiliating exercises and degrading treatment by older students.
The practices, known locally as “bizutage,” allegedly continued for about 15 days in the school’s dormitory. Students said they went beyond traditional activities intended to help newcomers integrate and raised concerns about their safety and well-being.
According to a complaint seen by Hespress, students said they were repeatedly deprived of sleep and subjected to group and individual activities involving intimidation and humiliation.
Among the practices described were being forced to remove their clothes or remain in sleepwear, use obscene language and adopt humiliating positions.
One exercise, known as “position minotte,” allegedly requires students to place their faces on tables, lower their heads and hold their hands behind their backs while being subjected to pressure and intimidation.
Students also said they were forced to eat with their hands while sitting on the floor because they were not allowed to use cutlery.
Other activities allegedly included being ordered to perform movements known as the “duck walk” and “caterpillar.” Male students said they were collectively forced to shave their heads.
The students alleged that the practices took place openly in parts of the school where administrators, security staff, restaurant workers and other employees could see them, rather than in isolated locations.
They also said students who refused to participate faced social pressure and exclusion from group activities, making it difficult for them to reject the practices or seek help.
The students sent a copy of their complaint to the ministry overseeing the energy transition sector, calling for an investigation.
They also alleged that members of the school’s student association office organized the activities.
Hazing has repeatedly drawn complaints at Moroccan higher education institutions, including engineering, medical and dental schools.
The issue has also been raised through written parliamentary questions to ministers responsible for the sector, although some questions listed on Parliament’s website remain unanswered.
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