The Purpose and Consequences of Hazing in College Fraternities and Sororities

Hazing in some college fraternities and sororities achieves nothing good. That’s why our fraternity, founded in 1895, has strongly prohibited hazing. Those found guilty of hazing postulants may be expelled. Hazing is not only against the law but also harmful and unnecessary. Though Plato's Academy over two thousand years ago faced similar practices, which Plato did not approve of, hazing continues in many forms today.

Historical Context and Modern Practices

Hazing goes back to the ancient Greek world of Plato's Academy. It was passed on through time and continued in Medieval colleges. All fraternities have initiation rituals for pledges, a process to become an official club member. The initiation builds camaraderie and proves that one values their membership, earning the right to be part of the fraternity or sorority. However, hazing is legally defined as requiring dangerous or risky behaviors such as paddling, excessive drinking, and stealing during a scavenger hunt.

Alternatives and Ethical Considerations

No college or national fraternity organization condones hazing today. In practice, this has not caused hazing to disappear. Replacing traditional hazing with community service projects is one approach that my fraternity has adopted. We urge all fraternities to follow suit, practicing the Golden Rule, and promote meaningful camaraderie instead of harmful rituals.

Understanding and Impact

Initiation rituals are different from hazing practices. Initiations build a sense of belonging and respect, while hazing often results in physical and psychological harm. Hazing achieves absolutely nothing. Instead, it pressures students to prove their dedication by undergoing harmful rituals. This pressure can lead to long-term negative effects, including mental health issues and a harmful culture within the fraternity or sorority.

Conclusion

Our fraternity's stance against hazing is based on a belief in the Golden Rule and the importance of promoting positive, respectful, and healthy community cultures. It is crucial for fraternities and sororities to recognize the harmful effects of hazing and move towards more ethical and beneficial initiation practices. This shift not only protects student well-being but also strengthens the spirit of camaraderie and respect within these organizations.