Quote:
Originally posted by ktsnake
Not insulting it. Just observing how for NIC groups, this act probably does fall under the definition of hazing. From the NPHC groups' hazing policies that I've seen, this would probably fall under their definition as well. It doesn't have to be sponsored by the organization to be hazing. You're getting your letters burned into your flesh. I don't think most juries would have a problem finding the connection there.
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Branding isn't FORCED upon members either implicitly or explicitly. While someone mentioned a chapter that did their branding shortly after they crossed, MOST of the NPHC members I know with them got them months if not years later and had to request that someone do them. There wasn't a lineup and folks just HAD to do them. With the exception of the Alpha brand (and this just may have been in TN) they got ONE LETTER branded into their arm and if that's what they want to do so be it. It wasn't something they couldn't hide much in the same way you hide a tattoo. As most people that don't get brands don't get infections (anymore thanthose that get tattoos and get infections), a jury would be hard pressed to hold a chapter or organization responsible for something that in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM is connected to the pledging process for MOST chapters. They aren't viewed as associate members till they get branded, they are members flat out and if they choose to adorn their bodies after they are done more power to them. Again, not being truly familiar with the culture of branding in NPHC groups please just comment on NIC groups and what it would mean for them.