2008 Woodie Awards
Catch Me (And You Can)
Karl de Vries
Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Once again almost on cue, it seems, another Montclair State University fraternity has been suspended and is facing severe consequences for what are, in essence, juvenile misdemeanor charges.
As of right now, the Delta Chi fraternity has been suspended indefinitely, but when considering the suspensions of fraternities Phi Alpha Psi (their "offensive" homecoming display two years ago) and Theta Xi (scavenger hunt involving the theft of street signs), in all likelihood, Delta Chi will pay dearly for last week's incident.
As the lead-in for its ten o' clock news Tuesday night, The WB referred to the incident as a "frat hazing horror," which of course, is not entirely accurate. But nevertheless, the actions of Delta Chi easily fit the definitions of hazing as MSU has established time and time again.
True, no pledges were burned at the stake; no one was hurt and no one died, but at the same, the members of the fraternity knew that what they were doing was in direct violation of MSU policy, and didn't consider the consequences of their actions. Should the suspension be upheld, Delta Chi will be barred from participating in campus events, and will lose the privilege to legally pledge students.
This is another black eye for Greek life here on this campus, which goes to great lengths to be taken seriously by the school administration. The actions of one fraternity are not reflective of all fraternities and sororities, but if Greek life is to continue at MSU, organizations must exercise better judgement and, at the very least, be more discreet in regards to their activities.
Hazing will continue on the part of fraternities and sororities, if for no other reason than the simple fact that, college students will be college students.
However, while it's one thing to have a good time amongst friends, it's quite another to endanger the future of one's organization, which Delta Chi has done in the last week. The repercussions are uncertain at this time for both the fraternity and Greek life in general; but perhaps it would be wiser if all those concerned began to think about their actions in the grand impact of things, being conscious of the consequences if and when acting irresponsibly.
As of right now, the Delta Chi fraternity has been suspended indefinitely, but when considering the suspensions of fraternities Phi Alpha Psi (their "offensive" homecoming display two years ago) and Theta Xi (scavenger hunt involving the theft of street signs), in all likelihood, Delta Chi will pay dearly for last week's incident.
As the lead-in for its ten o' clock news Tuesday night, The WB referred to the incident as a "frat hazing horror," which of course, is not entirely accurate. But nevertheless, the actions of Delta Chi easily fit the definitions of hazing as MSU has established time and time again.
True, no pledges were burned at the stake; no one was hurt and no one died, but at the same, the members of the fraternity knew that what they were doing was in direct violation of MSU policy, and didn't consider the consequences of their actions. Should the suspension be upheld, Delta Chi will be barred from participating in campus events, and will lose the privilege to legally pledge students.
This is another black eye for Greek life here on this campus, which goes to great lengths to be taken seriously by the school administration. The actions of one fraternity are not reflective of all fraternities and sororities, but if Greek life is to continue at MSU, organizations must exercise better judgement and, at the very least, be more discreet in regards to their activities.
Hazing will continue on the part of fraternities and sororities, if for no other reason than the simple fact that, college students will be college students.
However, while it's one thing to have a good time amongst friends, it's quite another to endanger the future of one's organization, which Delta Chi has done in the last week. The repercussions are uncertain at this time for both the fraternity and Greek life in general; but perhaps it would be wiser if all those concerned began to think about their actions in the grand impact of things, being conscious of the consequences if and when acting irresponsibly.