OSU student taken off life support - Page 2

James · #16 03-14-2002, 03:20 PM

I must not have been very clear in my post. I am not doubting that when a house goes dry it stays dry.

I am acknowledging the trend to take the parties off campus to unoffical houses, bars, and apartments. Same behaviors with different locations and different risks.

What values does your fraternity profess that denies you responsible fun or the possession of alcohol in your own domicile?

Quote:

Originally posted by FishN4Fiji
With all respect, when our house re-opened in 1997, we were the first substance free house on campus, by choice. Yes, some partying does go on, but we have very strong values in that sence, and we do practice what we stand for.

Kapsig1 · #17 03-14-2002, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shadokat
The Dean's words are unfortunate, in that he wants to use this as an example for students to learn from. In a few months when the situation wasn't as raw, these words might be a bit more appropriate.

As for the fraternity's actions, it's good that they've taken some action, but maybe they should've taken the action before this happened. For instance, stop serving someone who's visibly intoxicated. I'm sorry, but someone with a BAL of +.2 is visibly intoxicated. And why didn't someone see him sitting on the railing and think, that's dangerous! He may not be a brother of their chapter, but maybe instead of going dry they should learn a system to protect the folks that they are serving alcohol to.

I am sorry if this seems harsh...just my .02 on a topic I've had too much experience with.

I'm with the Kat on this one - maybe my Brothers could have not served the minor to begin with.

FishN4Fiji · #18 03-14-2002, 06:23 PM

Our fraternity is based on 5 core values.
* Friendship
* Knowledge
* Service
* Morality
* Excellence

Our values reflect in our actions. I must admit that being dry does make it much easier to uphold the values, such as friendship and morality. I say this because the friendship our house has is not a "liquid brotherhood." Alcohol is not allowed on our house property, so this does protect us somewhat from incidents relating to alcohol in or around our house. As for responsible fun, that is exactly what is an underlying value what we share as a house. Not only do we have a responsible house environment, but we also are responsible when we are out having fun. I know that many other houses share this same concept, including KE. I hope I answered your question.
James; were/are you part of a Fraternity?

-fish

Quote:

Originally posted by James
I must not have been very clear in my post. I am not doubting that when a house goes dry it stays dry.

I am acknowledging the trend to take the parties off campus to unoffical houses, bars, and apartments. Same behaviors with different locations and different risks.

What values does your fraternity profess that denies you responsible fun or the possession of alcohol in your own domicile?

33girl · #19 03-15-2002, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FishN4Fiji
I must admit that being dry does make it much easier to uphold the values, such as friendship and morality. I say this because the friendship our house has is not a "liquid brotherhood."

I don't get it - what does dry, damp or wet housing have to do with upholding morality?? Any fraternity man should conduct himself honorably no matter his living arrangements. Or are you saying you couldn't handle yourselves when alcohol was available in the house? The way you put it just sounds really bad to me.

As for that liquid brotherhood comment - if your chapter has found that a dry house works for you, that's fine. But do not intimate that those groups who have not chosen the dry housing option are only together for the beer, or have an inferior brotherhood. It's arrogant, insulting and just plain untrue.

FishN4Fiji · #20 03-16-2002, 01:26 AM

All that I was simply saying was that with the absence of Alcohol, It is much easier to up hold the morals and standards that individuals and houses as a whole hold dear.
Houses that do choose to have Alcohol be a part of thier house environment are not inferior by any measure, and I didnt mean to convey that. Undoubtly, there are houses that do have a liquid brother hood, whether that is good or not, I choose not to be in a house where that is present. I wasnt bashing other houses, I was just saying how my decision to be part of a dry house makes it a better environment for me, socially, and academically.
-Fish

Quote:

Originally posted by 33girl

I don't get it - what does dry, damp or wet housing have to do with upholding morality?? Any fraternity man should conduct himself honorably no matter his living arrangements. Or are you saying you couldn't handle yourselves when alcohol was available in the house? The way you put it just sounds really bad to me.

As for that liquid brotherhood comment - if your chapter has found that a dry house works for you, that's fine. But do not intimate that those groups who have not chosen the dry housing option are only together for the beer, or have an inferior brotherhood. It's arrogant, insulting and just plain untrue.

James · #21 03-16-2002, 09:55 PM

Associated Press
March 15, 2002

Man charged in student's death

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- A 21-year-old has been charged with supplying
alcohol to minors after an Oregon State University student died when
he fell from a fire escape at a fraternity. Spencer M. Haugh, 20, of
Gresham, died March 7 after he was taken off life support. He had a
blood-alcohol content of .20 when he fell while visiting the Kappa
Sigma house the previous weekend.

Haugh was visiting the fraternity and was not a member.

Joshua Wilson, of Corvallis, was arrested Wednesday and released,
Corvallis police Lt. Ron Noble said. He was charged with holding a
party for minors.

It was not clear if Wilson is a student at Oregon State or a member
of the fraternity.

The investigation is continuing.

damasa · #22 03-19-2002, 03:06 AM

I have a question for any/all.
How do you think that this incident would be/have been viewed if this young man fell from a porch or fire escape at a friend's apartment, and not a fraternity house?

To me it is just as likely to happen, but because it happened at a fraternity house, there is this "greater need" to be aware.

I wonder if the dean would have thought it still be a "teachable moment" had no greek org. been involved in any way.

Blaine

Kapsig1 · #23 03-19-2002, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by damasa
I have a question for any/all.
How do you think that this incident would be/have been viewed if this young man fell from a porch or fire escape at a friend's apartment, and not a fraternity house?

To me it is just as likely to happen, but because it happened at a fraternity house, there is this "greater need" to be aware.

I wonder if the dean would have thought it still be a "teachable moment" had no greek org. been involved in any way.

Blaine

I think you're proabably on to something here Blaine. It would be a tragedy nevertheless, but probably would not garner the attention of the dean beyond a factual "tragic accident" comment. Perception is reality, and the perception is that this kind of thing happens more often at our houses than it does outside of them. That is the image we must act on.

Brad

DeltAlum · #24 03-19-2002, 05:05 PM

I'm not sure I agree, simply because of the kind of accident it was. If the man had been walking across the street and hit by a car, maybe the Dean wouldn't have commented.

It's kind of like "Dog bites man," isn't a story but, "Man bites dog," is. One car hitting another (with no injuries) is not news, but a car hitting a house (again with no injuries) is.

Not arguing that it's right, but the uniqueness (although this happens more often than we might think -- falls at houses, that is) makes it stand out.

In any event, due to that, I think the coverage would probably have happened whether this particular incident was at a fraternity house or not.