By Anonymous

The Greek community at the University of New Haven is a dynamic group of individuals who have all come together under Greek life for a multitude of different reasons. All organizations fall under the no-hazing tolerance policy of the university, due in part to the stereotypical nature that seems to follow these organizations. However, it seems that some organizations are above the rules here at UNH.

One organization in particular demonstrated their ability to orchestrate the public hazing of their associate members during Greek Week.

Granted, not all accounts of hazing are reported by members of their organizations, whether it is because of fear or other reasons, but generally those occurrences happen behind closed doors and amongst only members of their groups. Not that it makes those instances excusable, but there is not really any possibility of proof or any way to corroborate hearsay. However, when a group publicly humiliates their pledges in the middle of the quad, one has to wonder why the university does nothing about this. This particular instance was definitely not the first time this has happened, and many of the bystanders had been witnesses to the situation at least once before.

If the university wants to have a no-hazing policy, that is a great stance to take. In fact, all colleges and universities who sponsor Greek life on their campuses should take the stance. Most of the sororities and fraternities on this campus stand by the policy and many national organizations have provided services for those students who may become victims of hazing. But if you’re going to take a stance, then an organization should not be allowed to blatantly violate the rules and get away without a single reprimand. Ignoring the policy violations, the fact that an organization is allowed to get away with humiliating people whom they consider their “brothers” without any problem is disgusting at best on a humane level. Greek life is supposed to promote brotherhood, sisterhood, and respect for your fellow brothers and sisters, not humiliation in order to pass a “test” or to earn respect.