There is a movement afoot — at least in the Northeast — to end hazing on college campuses, and we think it’s long overdue.
The campaign picked up steam after a 19-year-old Cornell University sophomore died after a bout of fraternity hazing that included a mock kidnapping, ritualized humiliation and coerced drinking. Four Sigma Alpha Epsilon students face criminal charges after a pledge was tied up and forced to drink until he passed out. He was left on a couch in the library, where he died. The victim’s mother is suing the fraternity for $25 million.
Cornell President David Skorton has called on colleges around the country to end the practice of fraternity hazing — which is already outlawed on most college campuses — and pledging, which frequently entails a period of servitude for aspiring members.
Hazing is sadistic, demeaning and often dangerous. Add to that, stupid and senseless.
Skorton defended the Greek system, saying it “is part of our university’s history and culture, and we should maintain it, because at its best, it can foster friendship, community service and leadership.”
The school has set up an informational website about hazing, which includes a section called “Myths about Hazing,” that every student in a fraternal organization should read.
Last month’s Rolling Stone magazine shines a light on hazing at Dartmouth. A member of the fraternity told the magazine hazing is endemic to the culture of the New Hampshire school.
He said SAE pledges were forced to eat food mixed with vomit; forced to swim in a kiddie pool filled with vomit and other bodily fluids; and, forced to drink alcohol until they vomited, then forced to drink again.
Need we say more?
A Google search of “hazing” and “Mississippi” brings up a sprinkling of news stories on college and high school hazing incidents gone awry. But who knows how many such incidents have gone unreported.
Mississippi State University’s hazing policy was instituted in 2006.
We’d like to see SEC schools, most of which have a strong Greek system — and a strong drinking culture — place more emphasis on the perils of hazing. MSU’s policy is five sentences long and includes a compliance form fraternity and sorority members must sign.
Hazing is a barbaric practice, demeaning to all involved. The sooner it’s stopped, the better.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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