Danielle Burch
Entertainment Editor
A few weeks ago, the University of Central Florida temporarily suspended three fraternities, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Chi and Alpha Epsilon Pi, for violation of campus rules on hazing.
There is no word as to what exactly the hazing involved or when the so-called allegations took place, but they have stirred the pot once again on the age-old tradition of hazing being a role in inducting new members of college organizations.
This topic hits home here at FSC because we have two of these fraternities chapters on campus.
And even though there have been no forthright cases of hazing here, it doesn’t mean that there is not any hazing that takes place right behind our backs.
I am not pointing fingers or calling anyone out. I am simply weighing in on the discussion of whether or not hazing should be done away with all together.
The obvious answer would be that hazing can be cruel and it should be a practice that is stopped immediately, but I am going to have to disagree.
I think hazing is an important tradition in the induction of new members not only in Greek life but also other organizations.
I am not saying that I agree with tying a pledge to a flag pole while he wears nothing but his boxers.
However, I do believe that there are certain traditions that are past down does involve some simpler forms of hazing.
Our FSC student handbook states that there is a zero tolerance for hazing and then goes on to list many examples of hazing.
Some examples include paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, wearing apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste.
Other examples may include engaging in public stunts, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities that call undue attention to a difference in status between initiated and non-initiated members (running errands, carrying food or trays, etc.), and late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities, regulations, and policies of Florida Southern College.
Heads up FSC students, hazing happens all the time here. In fact, the school itself used to partake in it and sometimes still does.
Ever wonder what happened to the Scholars’ Weekend scavenger hunt? Well, it was done away with when someone brought up the point that it is considered hazing according to the student handbook.
And I know for a fact that Community Living still partakes in these fun hunts, as well as dressing up in weird outfits for different days.
I am not Greek but I am an RA, and when I partake in these activities I don’t see them as hazing, but as team builders.
They are not out to humiliate people but instead build a stronger bond between the people who are joining in on the activity.
Hazing is an age-old tradition and it’s one that I feel will never be obsolete.