[DeltAlum]

We should all read and consider carefully what James wrote -- I think he has a pretty good grip on this situation.

Under the strictest interpretation -- the silly one we deal with daily -- anything you are "forced" to do can be considered hazing. So, "forced" community service could be labled as such.

Please notice he also said that he has no problem with students being required to perform such duties. Nor do I. Our son just graduated from high school and had 350 or so hours and got a cute little pin from the President's Council on something. He enjoyed what he did and helped the community.

I agree with his other point also. If a curriculum requires X hours of community service -- that's not volunteerism. But, it's still a good thing and benefits the community. There is a difference between the two. You can't be forced to volunteer -- the terms are mutually exclusive.

In terms of the Greek World, if anyone accepts a bid to an organization without knowing that philanthrophy (community service) is expected of them, either they aren't listening, or the chapter is doing a poor job during the recruiting process. That kind of thing should be spelled out upfront. If you don't want to do the service, don't accept the bid.