Penn State’s Barron: We’re taking a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy on hazing

 

Penn Live

By Eric Barron

June 21, 2017

We’ve seen too many deaths related to dangerous drinking and hazing on campuses across the country.

 

The horrific nature of Timothy Piazza’s death, has further catalyzed a universal understanding that enough is enough.

 

Many question whether these organizations are still sustainable. We believe they are, but only if a new governance model is established and accepted by all.

 

Historically, the self-governance model of fraternities and sororities has provided an important educational opportunity for student leadership. Unfortunately, much of that positive aspect has eroded.

 

These are private organizations, on private property, responsible for adjudicating their own misconduct and most universities have only two major levers: 1) remove recognition of fraternities and sororities as student organizations; 2) investigate individuals and adjudicate through the student conduct process.

 

Whenever it is made aware of misconduct, the university has acted firmly, investigating and responding decisively by revoking recognition, and undertaking student conduct deliberations.

 

In the tragic case of Timothy Piazza, where the evidence of misconduct is documented through disturbing video, it became patently clear to all that dramatic change is needed now.

 

We are transitioning to a new deferred recruitment policy for Greek-letter organizations.

 

Many students come to campus for the first time, experiencing life on their own, making choices regarding education, relationships, alcohol and self-discipline. They have a need for community, and some turn to traditional collegiate social organizations.

 

But, tragically, Greek life has changed – fostering a drinking culture that can put students at risk, academically and physically.

 

The last composite photo of Beta Theta Pi’s Penn State chapter is one no one wants to be a part of.

 

A Bloomberg poll highlights the gravity: freshmen accounted for 40 percent of deaths on campuses in fraternity-related events involving hazing and drinking (2005-2013).

 

We believe the freshman year should be a time for students to focus on academics and acclimate to the University, as well as mature in decision making.

 

The next step we’re taking is to insist that organizations live up to their policies and ideals.

 

So, we are taking over control of the of the Greek-life misconduct and adjudication process and instituting a zero-tolerance policy for hazing.

 

Any hazing that involves alcohol, physical or mental abuse will result in immediate and permanent revocation of university recognition.

 

The parents of the Penn State student who died after in a Feb. 2 hazing give their perspective in a pair of national broadcast interviews.

 

The university will implement strict social restrictions, and a University monitoring and spot-check team will identify safety violations, refer violations to the student misconduct office, and monitor relationships with neighborhood groups and law enforcement.

 

With our oversight of the adjudication process and closer scrutiny through monitoring, our ability to detect and discipline wrongdoing is increased. Taken together, along with others that include a “compact” signed by all accepting the rules of behavior, we hope will make a real difference.

 

Chapters that fail will have recognition removed permanently. The newly established Greek-life Response Team is in the process of implementing each measure.

 

Many other issues require attention. From tougher laws — like strengthening penalties for hazing, to looking more closely at amnesty and examining risk management policies of the nationals.

 

But true change can only work if chapters, alumni boards, housing boards, councils, national fraternity trade associations, national fraternities and sororities and their members embrace the opportunity to partner.

 

Eric Barron is the president of Penn State University. He writes from State College, Pa.