Hazing: Not a Big Problem?

October 19, 2009  
Filed under Entertainment

Hazing can be inflicted in many different ways. Being forced to consume alcohol or spoiled foods, to stay up into the wee hours of the morning, or to do abnormal amounts of exercise are all types of hazing. At Kansas State University, no forms of hazing are tolerated and all are outlawed.

On Sept. 22, a K-State freshman was sent to Mercy Regional Health Center where he was treated for severe alcohol poisoning. Further investigation concluded that the poisoning was the result of hazing at an off-campus fraternity house.

Kansas State University Greek Affairs defines hazing as any instance of physical abuse, psychological abuse, or improper obligations, requirements, or time restrictions associated with or involving new members (commonly known as pledge/associate members) or their activities associated with or involving any improper continuing obligation for membership.

At the start of each semester at K-State, the Greek chapter officers are required to sign a hazing compliance. This agreement states that the officers have read and understood the Kansas State University Interfraternity (IFC) and Panhellenic Council anti-hazing policy. The IFC and Panhellenic Councils are the national fraternity and sorority governing bodies. It is the responsibility of Greek chapter officers to oversee all new member-related activities and to make sure all members are familiar with the policies regarding hazing. Most fraternities and sororities make good on this promise, while another, it seems did not.

K-State freshman, and Sigma Kappa sorority pledge, Jennifer Birzer, said that hazing is not a big problem at the school.

“It’s not allowed, and most sororities don’t do it, but most fraternities do. None of the sororities would risk getting kicked out,” Birzer said.

Taylor Koberlein, a senior at Ottawa High School, said the hazing won’t have any effect on her plans to attend K-State next year.

“My sister went there; my uncle went there. I’ve wanted to go there since like, third grade,” Koberlein said.

Birzer also said that the occurrence of hazing doesn’t affect her feelings about the school.

“Since it’s not allowed, I didn’t even worry about being hazed here. At another college without the policy, you might have to worry about it.”

When a violation of the hazing policy is confirmed, faculty and alumni advisors are notified and then the national headquarters of the chapter will be notified. The power will reside on Board of Directors of the Interfraternity Council on how to evaluate and judge the case.

The incident at the fraternity will undoubtedly affect more than just the frat boys.

“The fraternity that got caught is the fraternity next to my house. They’re our homecoming partners,” Birzer said. Being homecoming partners means that the two houses are supposed to work together to make a float and other activities.

“They might not get to participate, because they will be kicked off campus,” Birzer said. Though the student has now been released from the hospital, the conflict over the hazing incident has yet to be settled.

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Jaime Birzer

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