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.
” 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. ”
Will all those who have been victim of ‘ an alleged hazing incident ‘ please write your Congress Person at both State and Federal Levels to BAN ALL FRATERNITIES and SORORITIES. This will greatly reduce STDs , Alcohol Abuse, Drug Dealing and BS Journalism on the College Campus.
Ok first I’m an alumnus of Sigma Phi Epsilon (07) Tennessee Eta. And it breaks my heart to see another chapter shut down for doing something so stupid. But to make a bold statement about
a ban for FRATERNITIES and SORORITIES just think of this for a moment.
here are some stats:
Let me show you what my chapter has done on my
* Largest Fraternity on campus.
*Spring Semester 2008 GPA of 3.31
* Fall Semester 2008, had the highest GPA of any fraternity with a 3.08
*Spring 2009 GPA 3.10, highest of any fraternity
* We achieved the All Sports Greek Cup in 2008. (IFC champs in soccer, basketball, and softball)
* Won homecoming float 13 out of the past 14 years (Twelve years in a row)
* Greek Organization of the Year2007-2008: Presented to one fraternity or sorority that best represents the highest standards of excellence and exemplifies the finest overall record of scholarship, service, and leadership on the Austin Peay State University Campus. (SigEp has captured this award the consecutively. No organization on campus has ever accomplished that task)
* Governors Legacy Organization Award: Presented to an exceptional student organization for providing outstanding programs, leadership opportunities, service to campus and community and vision consistently over time. The organization must have been registered and active for a minimum of five consecutive years. (This is a new award judged mainly on what an organization has accomplished in its time on campus. SigEp competed with organizations that had over 60 years of involvement. Our chapter has been active on campus for 13 years)
* President’s Cup 2009: Presented to one Greek organization from IFC, PC, and NPHC who has achieved the highest overall GPA from the 2007 spring and fall semesters. (SigEp has won this award 12 of the past 13 years)
Individual Awards:
* Greek Man of the Year (2009) — : This award is given to the most outstanding Greek male student leader who has made the most significant contribution to the Greek community and to the University during the year. (It is the only individual Greek award. SigEps have won this award 7 of the past 8 years)
* Governors Rising Freshman (2009)– This award is given to one rising freshman for exhibiting exceptional leadership ability, contribution to campus life, university pride and potential for other leadership roles.
* Governors Rising Sophomore (2009)– : This award is given to one rising sophomore for exhibiting exceptional leadership ability, contribution to campus life, university pride and potential for other leadership roles.
* Governors Rising Junior (2009)– This award is given to one rising junior for exhibiting exceptional leadership ability, contribution to campus life, university pride and potential for other leadership roles.
* Meningall Governors Cup Award (2009)– This award is presented to a graduating student who has been able to lead positive, observable and sustainable change on the campus of Austin Peay State University.
* Mister Governor Award (2009)– : The Mister Governor Award honors one graduating student who has contributed to the University community through leadership, diversity, and service and has demonstrated participation in a leadership role on campus while maintaining high academic standards.
* Adviser of the Year (2009)– : Presented to one campus student organization adviser who has gone above and beyond the requirements for the organization he/she advises. (A Greek adviser had not won this award for the past 7 years, prior to him. Mike also serves as our Faculty Fellow as our chapter is now RLC accredited)
Recognition of Student Government Association:
(SGA President), (Chief Justice), and t (Secretary) were all honored for their services and work for 2008-2009.
* (SGA President), and (Vice President) were sworn in by Austin Peay President Tim Hall.
* Of the 4 SGA EC positions, SigEps have held the 3 of the 4 positions for three out of the four past years.
*Of the 4 SGA EC positions, SigEp currently holds 2 positions, and are the only fraternity holding EC positions.
SGA President: in School History only twice has the SGA President severed two consecutive Terms both done by Sigma Phi Epsilon
All this and we’ve only been on campus for 13 Years
BUT Here are some national stats for all Greek
1) Studies prove that Fraternity and Sorority Alumni are much more likely than non-Greeks to participate in community service activities after graduation.
2) Forty-three (43!) of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate are members of a fraternity or sorority.
3) Twenty-nine percent of the House of Representatives are members of a sorority or fraternity.
4) Of North America’s 50 largest corporations, 43 are headed by Greek men and women!
5) 7 out of 10 people listed in Who’s Who are Greek.
6) 85% of Fortune 500 executives are Greek.
7) 40 of 47 U.S. Supreme Court Justices have been and are Greek.
8) All but two United States Presidents and two Vice-Presidents, born after the founding of the first social fraternity in 1825, have been and are fraternity members.
9) 63% of all U.S. Cabinet members since 1900 have been and are Greek.
10) All of the Apollo 11 astronauts were Greek.
11) With all of the power in these amazing statistics, only 2% of the population are members of Greek organizations.
12) A U.S. Government study shows that over 70% of Greeks graduate, while under 50% of non-Greeks graduate.
13) A study by the University of Missouri found that Greeks throughout the U.S. and Canada are more involved on their campuses and rate their overall university experience better than non-Greeks.
14) The same U of Missouri study found Greeks are more financially successful after they graduate than non-Greeks, are more involved in their communities, and give more generously to their alma maters.
15) Greeks not only participate in their own fraternity or sorority leadership, but are also involved in the same extracurricular activities as nonaffiliated students.
16) As undergraduates, Greeks raise approximately $7 million per year for charities.
17) As undergraduates, Greeks give approximately 850,000 volunteer hours per year.
18) Studies show Greek alumni are more satisfied with the social and cultural aspects of the college experience than nonaffiliated students.
19) Greek affiliation has been shown to have had a significant impact on the current income of alumni.
So if you do away with Greek system then Who is going to fund your schools, do fund-raising, who is going to volunteer on campus and in the community. Do your homework before you talk about a BAN on all campuses..
Thanks.