[aephi alum]

I agree that requiring new members to wear their pins 24/7 is a form of hazing (pledges had to wear their pins in the *shower* 33girl? Can I just say, ow?!). But I don't see the problem with asking your new members to wear their pins most of the time when they're out at classes, participating in activities (with obvious exceptions like sports practice), etc. As Susan and Eupolis pointed out, it shows your pride in your org.

When I was pledging my local, we had pledge rings that we were required to wear at all times except when asleep, in the shower, or in a situation where it would be dangerous to wear a ring. Sisters were forbidden to wear their pledge rings during the pledge period of a subsequent pledge class. After initiation you could wear your ring whenever you so chose.

When I was pledging AEPhi, we were "strongly encouraged" to wear our pins at all times. We weren't required to go all out and wear pin attire, but we were required to be neat, clean, and presentable when wearing our pins (e.g. no ripped jeans). If you didn't wear your pin, there were a few raised eyebrows but no negative repercussions. Most other sororities at my school did the same.

As for forbidding new members to wear letters, I don't see the problem. My local did not forbid pledges to wear letters, but I was uncomfortable with the idea of wearing letters when I didn't know their meaning, so I chose not to wear letters until after initiation. AEPhi does forbid anyone except initiated sisters from wearing letters, for that very reason, but bid day and event shirts usually have the letters spelled out, so new members can wear them. I don't see where it's hazing to forbid new members to wear letters - after all, you don't let new members wear badges, do you?