Risky business
Two long-standing fraternity chapters recently disappeared from the University. This past summer, the national organization of Alpha Epsilon Pi suspended the University's Mu chapter and subsequently interviewed 25 of the brothers for readmission. After only 13 members were offered invitations to return, none of the brothers accepted. On Monday, the University's chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon saw its charter revoked by the fraternity's national organization.
Although multiple reasons were cited for discontinuing the two chapters, a common denominator in both cases was allegations of hazing. Referring to SPE, "There were concerns about the new member practices," said Mike Citro, director of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. As for AEPi, "[Nationals told us] a tipping point was the hazing allegations," said former Mu chapter president Adam Smith. This editorial will not speculate about the veracity of these accusations, but the loss of two established fraternity chapters at the University is unfortunate to say the least. That hazing may be at least partially to blame is especially troubling.
Although some fraternity members may believe rites of initiation are sacrosanct, once these incidents reach the point of becoming reported violations, they are clearly self-destructive. Regrettably, many people view such rituals as matters of tradition and as a way to cement the bonds of brotherhood.
Of course, hazing runs contrary to nearly every measure of true fraternity, but that belief has not been enough to eliminate the practice. If fraternities value their institutional existence and each chapter wishes to preserve its independence, however, then leaders must not let these customs spiral out of control. Once allegations of misconduct surface, the impetus for dissolving a chapter is in place. As dozens of ex-fraternity men at the University can attest, from there it is a slippery slope toward disbandment.\n
Easy money
According to the College's Web site, $61.2 million of private support is required to meet the South Lawn Project's $105 million price tag. Of this needed funding, The University has secured all but about $1 million.
To encourage contributions, the University is "selling" the naming rights to different sections of the project. For example, one donor has attached his name to the new Commons Caf
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