Maryland: University Shuts Down Delta Tau Delta (Hazing Alleged)

[Zeta13Girl]

From what I heard UMD does their fair share of hazing both sororities and fraternities. My sister went to UMD, but didnt go greek, one of her friends on her floor joined a sorority (not sure which one) and she told me some interesting stories about what her friend had to do and that she couldnt talk to anyone outside of the sorority during hell week.

Thus my sister believes that I was horribly hazed when I joined my sorority. Even though I never told her anything about pledging.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by exlurker

Yes, I wondered about that too: years of "rampant" hazing? I have no connection at all to the U. of Maryland, other than having been on or near the College Park campus a few times when in the D.C. area, so the ins and outs of Greek life there are a mystery to me. Could this be one of those they're-almost-untouchable-and-socially-very-grand-indeed situations we occasionally hear about? Other GLOs at that school have had action taken against them, so I'm not sure it's a case of an entirely clueless administration (but one never knows).

I think it might be. It's like deja vu with SAE from almost 4 years ago and Beta from 2 years ago. Since Delt was a "prestigious" chapter with connections, I think the Maryland Delt alumni/Delt HQ wanted to try to save them. I heard that things were getting better (as of spring 07 when I graduated), but apparently not. I'm glad the University put their foot down.

Originally Posted by marylandpi

I think a lot of the problem at Maryland is the clueless administration and OFSL. Of course they are aware that fraternities are probably hazing, but until someone complains or they have some sort of proof actually thrown in their face, they ignore it.

Thankfully, I'm not familiar with the investigation process or what it takes for OFSL to investigate a hazing situation. Sure, investigate based on heresay, but there definitely needs to be proof if a chapter is going to be closed.

Originally Posted by Zeta13Girl

From what I heard UMD does their fair share of hazing both sororities and fraternities. My sister went to UMD, but didnt go greek, one of her friends on her floor joined a sorority (not sure which one) and she told me some interesting stories about what her friend had to do and that she couldnt talk to anyone outside of the sorority during hell week.

Please do not assume that this is indicative of all sororities at Maryland. My chapter was and is staunchly anti-hazing. About a week after bid day, all new members of all chapters attend a Panhellenic-sponsored program about hazing, including the definition of hazing, examples of hazing, why it is harmful, what to do if you think you are being hazed, etc.

Thankfully, my chapter never hazed while I was there, and I can only speculate from rumors I have heard about other chapters, so I don't really know anything other than the rumors of hazing in other chapters have decreased.

[exlurker]

The March 24, 2008 online edition of the campus paper has a followup article on hazing, with quotes from an administrator and from an IFC officer:

http://media.www.diamondbackonline.c...-3279617.shtml

Apparently the administrator believes the school's current policy doesn't need to be changed, while the IFC president wants to see some changes made. Excerpts from longer article:


Vice President of Student Affairs Linda Clement yesterday called two hazing violations at the university this year isolated incidents and said the university's current hazing policy needs no changes.

"I don't really believe that this is a widely recognized practice," she said. " . . . in general, I really just don't believe any of that sort of thing is going on here."

. . . Under university policy, officials don't investigate hazing unless they are confronted with evidence of it - a policy Clement said is effective enough.

In contrast, Interfraternity Council President Marty Bock yesterday promised the Greek community governing board would bring forth new anti-hazing initiatives next year. However, he echoed Clement's assertion that the hazing incidents are not common. . . .

Edited to add link / address for an editorial in the March 26 '08 campus paper:

http://media.www.diamondbackonline.c...-3282909.shtml