I don't know what happened, whether folks at that institution was aware of that line or not. I do know, however that it is very possible for non-members of an organization to NOT know what other organizations are doing.
In my opinion that's how it should be. I know several masons that wouldn't open their mouths about their process or whatever they do.
I can remember, when in college, new members of SGRho popping up out of know where. No one knew what they did, how many did it, where they did it, etc. And I admired that about them.
A sistahfriend of mine, also an SGRho told me of another line going on b/c she we were close and she knew my philosophy which meant that what she told me remained between us and the Creator. Everybody was shocked when the new ladies of SGRho appeared with their new members jacket sporting their numbers, name, etc. So to the SGRho that wondered how no one knew, it's very possible b/c I witnessed it first hand from your Sorors.
I don't know what the solution is to eliminating hazing. I do know however that something needs to be done and it seems like it's a taboo topic among the more seasoned members.
Folks need to screened more. I get a little frustrated with members that never transfer to grad chapters, don't attend formal functions, etc.
Let me first say that I wouldn't change my process. The only regret I have is not being able to experience it as those did before Sp. 91. I wanted that dress alike thing and doing crazy but fun things. I recall my freshman year being so new to NPHC - I knew nothing about them absolutely nothing. But I met an Alpha at a party and after it got over the shock of me not knowing what those letters were on his chest, we started talking and I would rack his brain about being an Alpha. He told me about his line having to go downtown dressed as the Wizard of Oz characters and sing songs from that play. I thought that was crazy but fun. Those Alphas were so close and I really admired that. Very respectful towards me and true gentleman.
The Sigmas were so radical that I initially thought they were muslims (Nation of Islam). But they too were respectful, very protective, etc.
This was back in the late 80s and the people were different-thought different, roled different. So we have to look at what's going on in society and the people seeking membership into our organizations. Folks always switch up just before time "intake" time. It's too late by then. We need to watch people from the door. If they were freaks their freshman and sophmore year it's not likely that they are going to change their ways come Fall of their junior year. And if you don't want freaks in your chapter/organization then you know not to go for the mask that they put on that semester.
I do hope that one day NPHC will really sit down and discuss what the "new" process has done to NPHC. Depending on where you live we are not taken that seriously. We are not seen as folks that make substantial differences for the masses in our communities and that what the bottom line should be: Improving, edifying our communities.