[Firehouse]

OK. I've seen this before, though not in Pike chapters. What you see is not what it seems. This is not hazing, where pledges are punished and/or harrassed by the Brothers. This is ceremonial, celebrating initiation or some other passage. Looks like the guys are getting 'paddled' by large letters corresponding the the fraternity name. No harm, no foul. Another ceremony, which is dangerous and shouldn't be allowed, is called 'trading licks'. Upon initiation, the little brother and big brother trade licks with a paddle. I don't like it and I wouldn't do it. I was challenged about it one time: "You mean you wouldn't trade licks with your big brother?" No. I don't like being hit.
The photos in question don't look like anything harmful if we know what's actually happening, but since they are misleading they probably shouldn't be on display.