|
KA-Auburn: “trading licks” was a tradition
Fraternity charged with hazing
By Megan Smith
Associate Campus Editor
October 06, 2005
Charges have been filed against the fraternity Kappa Alpha regarding a hazing incident that took place last week.
The incident was reported by two concerned parents to Interfraternity Council adviser Jake Gross.
The report alleges the brothers voluntarily paddled the pledges, and, in turn, the pledges paddled the brothers at a “big brother” night ritual.
Since the charges have been reported, Kappa Alpha has been placed on social probation for October. The national order of Kappa Alpha is addressing the matter by bringing in risk management speakers to campus, closely examining the big brother event, having a lawyer educate the fraternity on the liabilities surrounding hazing events and paying a self-imposed monetary fine by the fraternity.
Tate Jackson, president of IFC, said there was no report of alcohol being a factor at the event.
Jackson said IFC court will meet Monday to decide what action to take next.
In the meantime, Jackson said he hopes to educate Kappa Alpha on the dangers associated with hazing and provide good leadership.
“The IFC court usually sets a good example for other chapters,” Jackson said.
Gross said the paddling event, called “trading licks,” was a tradition, but the fraternity knew what problems it could cause.
“In the back of their minds, they knew it was hazing,” Gross said.
While the big brother event is being closely watched, Gross said ideas have been discussed to ensure no further hazing incidents.
Ideas include holding pledge events on campus in locations like Foy Union or the University Chapel.
Jackson said so far, he and other members of IFC have met with leaders around campus to prevent any future incidents.
“We’ve taken the steps to prevent pledge convocations by meeting with presidents (of fraternities), risk managers and pledge trainers during a round table meeting,” Jackson said.
He said he hopes taking the proper precautions, such as educating fraternities on evaluating what can and can’t be done with pledges, will prevent any future reports.
No serious injury report had been filed concerning either student, and the full pledge class of Kappa Alpha is still intact, Jackson said.
He said members of the fraternity have been cooperative and have accepted the consequences. The fraternity is also looking to resolve the situation by taking corrective steps to change its past actions.
Scott Rowson, editor of the Kappa Alpha Journal and the national director of communications, said the national offices have been notified of the incident.
“The national administration office of the KA order has been made aware of a possible risk management violation, and we’re looking into the situation at (the) chapter at Auburn currently,” Rowson said. “We’re in the initial stages of the situation right now.”
Gross said leaders in Kappa Alpha have been handling the situation well.
“They’ve shown tremendous leadership even before going to court,” he said.
Gross also said he hopes this sets an example to all fraternities about the consequences of hazing.
|
Linear Mode
