Hazing in college Greek life

Keg stands. Red cups. Hazing. That’s part of the image many have of college Greeks - something Sigma Alpha Epsilon is trying to shed by eliminating their pledging tradition. Illegal in 44 states, hazing often blurs the definition of pledging - a rite of passage to join a fraternity or sorority. So, is banning pledging the most effective way to target hazing?

In this episode of The Stream, we'll speak to:

Nate Burke @nate_burke
Assoc. Dir. of Student Development & Campus Vibrancy – Stetson University
stetson.edu

Eliana Piper 
Student/Member of Sigma Delta – Dartmouth University

Hank Nuwer @nuwer
Associate Prof, Investigative Journalism – Franklin College
hanknuwer.com

Colin Schlank 
Student/Alumni of Alpha Epsilon Pi - University of Connecticut

What do you think? Leave your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

Hazing can include any action or situation created to intentionally cause embarrassment or harassment. Although hazing is a crime in 44 states, more than 100 people have died as a result of hazing-related activities since 1970. A 2008 study by the University of Maine found that 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations reported experiencing some form of hazing