New hazing policy a progressive step for DePauw organizations
Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: Editorial
With nearly 70 percent of DePauw's students as active members of the greek system, it is undeniably a vital and influential part of the DePauw community. Also undeniable is that not all of its influence has always been positive, with several campus fraternities on probation for hazing last year. That said, we should also remember that fraternities are not alone in this practice. A commendable effort has been put into the greek system - and the campus as a whole - to ensure that everyone has a safe and fair experience.
One of the many positive changes introduced to the greek system this fall is the new hazing policy, a product of the Hazing Task Force. The new policy extends not only to greek houses, but also all clubs, teams and other organizations. This makes the ground even for all campus groups, encouraging fair play from all corners.
Another difference from the old policy is that this one includes a more broad definition of hazing, which will help administrators and participants better understand what will or will not be considered hazing. As opposed to the old policy, which outlined definitions and examples of hazing almost too specifically, the new definition will help everyone decide on the appropriateness of activities, rather than basing programming on the policy's exact wording.
The most productive changes, though, fall in the new elements of the policy that hold offenders more accountable, which will hopefully serve as a deterrent to hazing in the first place. Group leaders will be held directly responsible for any hazing consequences, and a list of organizations found guilty of hazing will be made publicly available on the University Web site. With these changes, the new policy should serve to incite pressure from within organizations, rather than just from the administration, to stop hazing.
The new policy is all about prevention and taking positive steps forward. For organizations that have already participated in activities that may qualify as hazing, the task force built in a program that allows them to turn themselves in and make a fresh start - as long as they follow the rules after the fact. Once an organization owns up to its sins, leaders will work with Tom Hansen and the three, new greek life coordinators to plan and execute positive group development activities. But if the organization is found to have participated in further hazing, the consequences will not be forgone again.
To some, this may seem like a significantly harsher policy - and in some ways, it is, necessarily so. As long as dangerous hazing continues, we have a responsibility as a community to reduce it as much as possible. On the other hand, we'd also like to remind the administration that the policy is very broad, and they should keep in that in mind when considering group activities, especially for teams and mentors.
This new policy makes wonderful strides toward a healthy, positive campus. We're glad to see the task force and the administration working with student leaders to such an end.
One of the many positive changes introduced to the greek system this fall is the new hazing policy, a product of the Hazing Task Force. The new policy extends not only to greek houses, but also all clubs, teams and other organizations. This makes the ground even for all campus groups, encouraging fair play from all corners.
Another difference from the old policy is that this one includes a more broad definition of hazing, which will help administrators and participants better understand what will or will not be considered hazing. As opposed to the old policy, which outlined definitions and examples of hazing almost too specifically, the new definition will help everyone decide on the appropriateness of activities, rather than basing programming on the policy's exact wording.
The most productive changes, though, fall in the new elements of the policy that hold offenders more accountable, which will hopefully serve as a deterrent to hazing in the first place. Group leaders will be held directly responsible for any hazing consequences, and a list of organizations found guilty of hazing will be made publicly available on the University Web site. With these changes, the new policy should serve to incite pressure from within organizations, rather than just from the administration, to stop hazing.
The new policy is all about prevention and taking positive steps forward. For organizations that have already participated in activities that may qualify as hazing, the task force built in a program that allows them to turn themselves in and make a fresh start - as long as they follow the rules after the fact. Once an organization owns up to its sins, leaders will work with Tom Hansen and the three, new greek life coordinators to plan and execute positive group development activities. But if the organization is found to have participated in further hazing, the consequences will not be forgone again.
To some, this may seem like a significantly harsher policy - and in some ways, it is, necessarily so. As long as dangerous hazing continues, we have a responsibility as a community to reduce it as much as possible. On the other hand, we'd also like to remind the administration that the policy is very broad, and they should keep in that in mind when considering group activities, especially for teams and mentors.
This new policy makes wonderful strides toward a healthy, positive campus. We're glad to see the task force and the administration working with student leaders to such an end.
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Alpha Xi Delta Love
posted 2/27/08 @ 12:06 AM EST
I can honestly say I wasn't hazed when I was initiated in the fall. EWU has a VERY LARGE hazing policy, which was read to us at our chapter meeting along with the sorority's NHQ hazing policy. (Continued…)
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