ANTI HAZING POLICY & INFORMATION

REPORT HAZING: anti-hazing@gammalambda.org

When most people hear the term “hazing” it conjures up images of fraternities. Many believe that hazing in fraternities and in general is nothing more than silly antics and harmless pranks like those remembered from the 1980s hit comedy Animal House. The realities of hazing are dramatically different than the humorous images many people associate with the term.

Hazing Policy

No chapter, colony, student or alumnus shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. For more information, see RIsk Management.

Hazing Defined

Hazing activities are defined as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution, or applicable state law.”

 “Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. Hazing is an abuse of power that can have debilitating and life-threatening consequences. Far too many parents have been awakened in the night to receive the devastating news of the loss of their child to hazing.

Why?

One of the most commonly asked questions about hazing in fraternities is why do young men and women participate in such horrific and life-threatening activities just to belong to a group? This seems like a reasonable question—but it reveals the lack of understanding about the dynamics of the hazing process. For example, many states that have passed legislation to prohibit hazing have recognized that the intensity of the peer pressure prevents hazing victims from providing true consent to participate in the activities in question.

Additionally, many prospective members don’t realize and are not informed of what the pledging process and hazing will entail because this information is shrouded in secrecy by the brotherhood. This, combined with the increasing severity of the hazing over the weeks and months of the pledging process places the pledge in a very vulnerable position and hence, more susceptible to victimization. Compounding these dynamics in fraternities and other male groups is the desire for the pledge or prospective member to “be tough,” “stick it out” etc. and prove his masculinity rather than risk being identified as a wimp or sissy.

The terms “hell week” or “hell night”, relating to activities involving new members, are antiquated and sadly misrepresentative. The terms communicate every possible negative connotation that fraternity chapters can be associated with in the education of new members. These terms have no place in any fraternity, and especially in Theta Chi Fraternity.

Why Theta Chi is Different

Theta Chi Fraternity first enacted legislation regarding the prohibition of hazing in 1920, and has reiterated and reinforced that stance through additional legislation and by disciplining individuals and chapters for hazing practices. Our Fraternity has suspended members, and reorganized and closed chapters involved in hazing practices. Ultimately, our real reason for coming together as men in Theta Chi Fraternity is for the betterment of humankind through the blessings of brotherhood. The Gamma Lambda Chapter of Theta Chi has had a long and proud history of fighting the ills of hazing and stands tall when it comes time for recruitment and new member education.