|
Reflecting on my post above, I think I'd better take a deep breath and back off on my frustration regarding this kind of question.
Obviously, most of us do try to seriously and fairly consider what the other members think. I am always impressed when I read James arguments, whether I agree with them or not.
My deep concern is for the chapters that are being closed because they simply won't abide by the rules.
At Karnea, the every two year Delta Tau Delta International conference, they hang banners for each chapter on the walls around the ballroom. Four years ago, to make a point, at the opening ceremony the chapter consultants were asked by the President to take down the banners of all of the chapters that had closed since the last Karnea.
There were eleven of them. In two years.
It was sobering -- with no pun intended.
I think (hope) that is one of the reason that very few Delt chapters have been in the news for hazing/alcohol violations. Don't misunderstand. I know that some of our chapters break the rules and some probably still haze secretly. We're not angels. But they know that if we catch them, they're history.
By the way, we figure that the Fraternity has the manpower to colonize two or three schools per year.
Do the math.
In two years we lose eleven chapters and, hopefully, colonize six. What does that do for the overall size, strength and stature of the Fraternity?
Nothing good.
And I just have to keep coming back to the fact that it isn't only against the rules -- it's against the law.
I would hate like hell to be the advisor of a chapter that is closed because of breaking the rules/law. I'm not particularly interested in getting sued either.
So, while I candidly admit that I think some of the definitions of hazing are crazy -- it just doesn't matter unless the laws or definitions can be changed.
Fraternally,
DeltAlum
|