Fraternities Crack Down on Hazing and Underage Drinking, Hope to Change Nature of Greek Life on Campus

Some of the University's Greek life organizations have started taking measures to protect pledges and the school community from the perils of hazing and underage drinking. The Greek letter associations' move toward more stringent anti-hazing and anti-underage-drinking policies comes one year after hazing and underage drinking allegations were leveled against four of the school's most recognized fraternities and sororities.

Last November, four Greek chapters came under fire after being accused of violating the University's no-hazing and no-underage-drinking policies. These chapters included fraternities Pi Kappa Alpha (also known as "Pike") and Sigma Phi Epsilon, along with sororities Delta Gamma and Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Other Greek letter organizations expressed their thoughts on the issue and also hope that the allegations leveled at the chapters serve as a learning experience. 

"At the end of the day, unfortunate situations can happen to anyone and have greater consequences," regarded Sigma Chi Public Relations Chairman Cody Scott. "I believe that going forward, fraternities and sororities alike will be working to strengthen their institutions promoting the safety and well-being of all their members."

According to the Center for Student Engagement's website, hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, with or without consent, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule."

Additionally, any student who takes part in hazing activities faces conviction on a misdemeanor, and may also be subject to a fine of $1,000 or six months in prison.

The allegations leveled at the University's chapters proved alarming given the growing influence of Greek Life on campus. As of 2011, 25% of the University's students are Greek-affiliated, a figure that is growing steadily as the appeal of these organizations increases among the student body.