There always is and always will be  rumor and innuendo surrounding hazing  as long as fraternities and sororities exist on college campuses. This is justifiable, as hazing is something that is largely tied, but not exclusive, to the Greek section of campus.

Having an individual learning the ropes, paying dues, or earning their stripes through hard work is one thing,  however, abusing the desire of an individual to join a group and performing acts which would be deemed as hazing is a totally different and much more serious issue that UK is dealing with.

Too often, students are put in harm’s way because of the negligence and irresponsibility of hazing and while the details of hazing rarely reach the public, this remains a major issue on college campuses. UK’s fraternities and sororities should take notice: you are not above reproach and hazing will not be tolerated; if  you are not punished by the university, then you will be by your national organization.

According to a Sept. 18 Kernel article, UK’s Kentucky Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was denied a chapter review and had their charter revoked by national headquarters.

The action came as result of university sanctions stemming from an alleged hazing incident in June. The fraternity previously won an appeal with the university, but would have remained on probation until July 1, 2011.

It’s interesting the national chapter took a tougher stance than the university on this. Was the university playing it safe? Or was the national chapter making an example of the UK chapter?

Whatever the reason, hopefully this resonates with the Greek chapters on campus and shows there is zero tolerance for such actions.

More importantly students must not submit themselves to hazing. Within the bylaws of fraternities and sororities are rules that explicitly prohibit these actions.

No matter how minor, hazing should not be tolerated at UK or any other academic institution. Whether this was  to reduce the hit on the image of the national fraternity or a sincere effort to reduce one of societies most despicable practices, more Greek organizations should follow the lead of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s national chapter and punish hazing with the same inflexible standards. Because until the practice is truly deemed unacceptable, we will continue to have stories like this in the news, and even an occasional story is one too many.