Spring Break
Hazing still a problem
Christine Glarrow
Daily Staff Writer
|
Hazing is "anything that makes a potential member uncomfortable, degraded, not part of the group," said Kary Crumm, a Greek graduate intern.
"It can range from inappropriate to dangerous," said Greek Life coordinator Angela Harper.
According to San Jose State University's student code of conduct, if a student partakes in "abusive behavior directed toward, or hazing of, a member of the campus community," he or she can be "expelled, suspended, or placed on probation."
Harper also said a federal law puts students' federal financial aid in jeopardy if they are involved in a hazing incident.
Greek organizations only know what people tell the members, Crumm said. Also, people have to report a hazing incident for judicial action to be taken, as the department can't rely on rumors, she said.
To assist the reporting process, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council have put together an online form that allows students to report anything that might be construed as hazing, said Robert Umstadter, Interfraternity Council president.
"It's a proactive approach," he said.
Without reports, with which reporters can choose to remain anonymous, it is difficult to take judicial actions, Harper said.
In addition, criminal action can also be taken if necessary, Harper said.
However, if Greek groups perform hazing rituals, they do it secretively, by creating their chapter from the inside, Harper said.
They remember having to participate in hazing when they joined and think the newcomers should have to do it also, Crumm said.
"I feel, as a Greek community, we are in a better place than we were years ago," Harper said. "There are some groups, I'm convinced, that completely eliminated hazing."
Yet, since Jan. 1, 2000, five cases of hazing have been reported to the University
Police Department, said Sgt. Robert Noriega, public affairs officer.
The reason the statistics are so low is not necessarily because hazing doesn't happen, but because people rarely report it, Noriega said.
Crumm said certain student groups are often caught performing hazing ritual.
"Where I see this a lot on campus is on SJSU's athletic teams," Crumm said.
But reports typically deal with fraternities and sororities, Noriega said, and they tend to involve drinking alcohol or some sort of physical activity.
The most recent hazing incident, reported by the National Park Service last weekend, took place at Pinnacles National Park, located in San Benito County.
Several chapters of a fraternity, including one from SJSU, had to run uphill several miles in 19-degree weather, Noriega said.
Harper said the Greek system does its best to build community and educate its members, especially new members and rush candidates.
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council hold a workshop - mandatory for all Greek members - each semester to inform students about a variety of topics including hazing and the different types of hazing, Crumm said.
"Greek organizations were originally about friendships, not about making people feel inferior," Crumm said.
Debra Griffith, chief judicial affairs officer, was not available for comment.
Be the first to comment on this story