Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewof2005
I am an alumni of a fraternity that has been found guilty of hazing for infractions such as pouring beer on new members and requiring them to wear hoods while moving between initiation stations. The judiciary committed believes that expulsion for 10 years is the only punishment appropriate for any type of hazing no matter the degree. They believe no reform is possible. I hope to contest this believe by compiling examples of fraternities that were able to improve themselves and move past charges of hazing.
Does anyone know of any cases where a fraternity was disciplined for initiation practices and were able to successfully reform their new member programs? If you are a member of such a fraternity, could I use yours as an example? I am sure many cases exist, but I am having difficultly finding specific documentation on them. The newspapers love to publish the cases of fraternities getting in trouble, but not cases where the succeed in improving themselves.
If you prefer not to post such information to the forum, please private message me.
Thank you very much for your help,
Matthew
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I think that the pouring of beer (or other liquid or food items) onto people is ridiculous. I can't imagine that something like that has any symbolic significance in a formal initiation ritual. I can see something akin to a "baptism" of some sort, but throwing food or beverages on people (and worse) is just degrading. It falls into the "break them down, build them up" mindset.
As for the hoods - that gets a little sketchy. I imagine the purpose is something like sensory deprivation (to heighten the mood and solemnity of the occasion), to prevent initiates from viewing items or their surroundings before they are "revealed" or used, or to shield them from being recognized.
The problem is that sensory deprivation or covering of the face/head can lead to a person getting hurt, embarrassed, scared, etc. So the act may be deemed hazing. If the hoods are part of a formal initiation rite in your organization, something that is unlikely to change, then there is no "reforming".
If I am off the mark, I apologize. That's just what comes to mind.
I don't think that using evidence other groups' ability and success at changing is going to help you.
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