Last week was National Hazing Prevention Week, and on Friday, Sept. 28, Panhellenic Council (Pi Chi) held the National Hazing Prevention Week’s Togetherness Event.
The goal of the event is “for the campus to see that all Greek women are against hazing the members of their organizations,” said Pi Chi, the governing panel for all of the sororities.
The sisters of campus sororities signed their names in chalk on the ground in Red Square to symbolize a commitment to not hazing their members.
Christine Workman, the Director of Student Engagement, said, “National Hazing Prevention Week is time for the campus community to come together and educate themselves about what hazing is, and how to prevent it.”
“Additionally, the Fraternity and Sorority Community requires chapters to submit a Hazing Compliance form each time they go through New Member Education, and also requires two educational programs on hazing per academic year,” said Workman.
Pi Chi said that the National Panhellenic by-laws mandate a zero tolerance policy for hazing.
McDaniel College shares this policy and follows Maryland State Law 268H, which states that hazing is prohibited as a misdemeanor and consent of a student to hazing is not a defense under the law.
“If someone is being hazed or suspects hazing might be happening on campus, they should report their suspicions immediately. They can file a report with Campus Safety, they can schedule a meeting with a staff member in the Office of Student Engagement or with Dean Towle and the Student Conduct Office,” said Workman.
The Greek community has also launched a Hazing Hotline, where students can anonymously call to leave a voicemail if they witness or know of hazing on this campus: 410-871-3114.
Workman emphasized that it is important for a student to report any kind of behavior that makes them uncomfortable so that an investigation can occur.
“I think a common misconception is that hazing only happens in social Greek-lettered organizations, but hazing can happen in all kinds of student organizations — athletic teams, in the residence halls, and in many other situations,” said Workman. “If we know what hazing looks like we can begin to address it as College community, and make sure we continue to be a place that focuses on education.”
If a student or student organization were accused of hazing, they would go through the Student Conduct Process as potentially violating the Code of Student Conduct, according to Workman. Greek organizations would be subject to further investigation from either the Panhellenic Association or the Interfraternity Council, as well as the National Headquarters of their Chapter, if applicable, explained Workman.
Fall recruitment ends Dec. 1, and Formal Spring recruitment is Feb. 6-10, said Pi Chi. Women interested in joining a sorority in the Spring should sign up online starting Nov. 1, and look for posters and announcements for events and opportunities to meet the sisters in the meantime.
The Greek letters for College Panhellenic are Pi Chi…