Sam Houston State University Greek Life is shining a spotlight on hazing, a topic which many students tend to avoid when talking about joining a sorority or fraternity.
The negative stereotype that all sororities and fraternities haze their members to gain acceptance into their chapter is the reason why many students are hesitant to join the Greek community. Sororities Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta promoted Hazing Prevention in the mall area over the past week. Their goal was to help educate SHSU students that Greek organizations on campus do not haze.
Kiki Patterson who is a part of Zeta Tau Alpha said that she could never be a part of a sister hood that hazes.
“Hazing doesn’t build unity or trust within a chapter, and I would never want to endanger a sister by hazing,” Patterson said.
Although SHSU has a zero tolerance policy for hazing, students should not ignore the fact that it does happen.
Jerrell Sherman, associate dean of students for student conduct and advocacy, has reported that instances of hazing on campus are decreasing.
“[The programs that are helping with the decrease are] ongoing education year-round that we do with both the risk management chairs and officers in Greek organizations on campus, along with our risk management week that we do in September of every year,” Sherman said.
If a Greek organization is found hazing at SHSU, they are held accountable by either suspension, expulsion, serving community service or attending an educational program, sometimes even legal actions may take place.
Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta continued their hazing prevention week by attending a presentation by the University Police Department. The UPD went over what exactly is considered hazing, how to encourage fellow members not to partake in it and most importantly that hazing is now considered a felony in the state of Texas.
“My hands don’t haze,” said Jordan Caravella, member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. “Hazing prevention and awareness is important to me and my sisters, and we strive to promote the dangers of hazing to our new members, and also how to speak out if they see a friend or colleague being hazed.”
If you or someone you know is being hazed don’t hesitate to contact the hazing hotline, or if you want to learn more visit hazing.org. The dean of student’s office on campus has many resources and administrators to talk to if you feel you are being hazed or have been hazed.