2008 Woodie Awards
Distorted view of fraternity life in the Clarion
Sam Smith
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Letters to the Editor
Dear Clarion Staff,
I am writing to voice concerns regarding the article published in your Feb. 27 edition titled "Zeta Beta Tau fraternity revitalizes on campus." As a news article, a sense of objectivity is vital to retain any ounce of credibility, and the contents of the article contain strong insinuations and assumptions that reflect badly on the fraternities at the University of Denver.
In the 12th paragraph, Daliah Singer writes, "Unlike most fraternities, ZBT is a nonhazing, nonpledging organization. Current ZBT president Scott Schwartz calls traditions of hazing and pledging 'outdated.'" While I recognize the necessity to mention their policies in order to give a detailed profile of their organization, the phrasing used in this passage implies that if a young man were to consider joining a fraternity on campus, they would face an "outdated" tradition of hazing unless they joined ZBT. This claim is completely falsified. In the Sigma Chi constitution, there is a policy statement immediately following constitutional amendments that states, "The goal of the pledge program is preparation for a productive life as a Sigma Chi leader, not forced humility or second-class citizenship." It also states that, "hazing will not be tolerated at any time during recruitment, pledging, initiation or following initiation."
Lambda Chi Alpha enforces stringent regulations to prevent the hazing of new members as well. In Statutory Code VI-10 of article VI of their constitution, it states, "Hazing of associate members and initiates shall not be permitted at any time, whether on or off Fraternity premises. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce physical discomfort or mental discomfort by embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." These examples include, but are not limited to, two of the eight fraternities at DU recognized by the Interfraternal Council. To state that ZBT stands apart from other fraternities in this manner labels the rest of us as degenerate, outdated, and inferior organizations.
I am writing to voice concerns regarding the article published in your Feb. 27 edition titled "Zeta Beta Tau fraternity revitalizes on campus." As a news article, a sense of objectivity is vital to retain any ounce of credibility, and the contents of the article contain strong insinuations and assumptions that reflect badly on the fraternities at the University of Denver.
In the 12th paragraph, Daliah Singer writes, "Unlike most fraternities, ZBT is a nonhazing, nonpledging organization. Current ZBT president Scott Schwartz calls traditions of hazing and pledging 'outdated.'" While I recognize the necessity to mention their policies in order to give a detailed profile of their organization, the phrasing used in this passage implies that if a young man were to consider joining a fraternity on campus, they would face an "outdated" tradition of hazing unless they joined ZBT. This claim is completely falsified. In the Sigma Chi constitution, there is a policy statement immediately following constitutional amendments that states, "The goal of the pledge program is preparation for a productive life as a Sigma Chi leader, not forced humility or second-class citizenship." It also states that, "hazing will not be tolerated at any time during recruitment, pledging, initiation or following initiation."
Lambda Chi Alpha enforces stringent regulations to prevent the hazing of new members as well. In Statutory Code VI-10 of article VI of their constitution, it states, "Hazing of associate members and initiates shall not be permitted at any time, whether on or off Fraternity premises. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally to produce physical discomfort or mental discomfort by embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." These examples include, but are not limited to, two of the eight fraternities at DU recognized by the Interfraternal Council. To state that ZBT stands apart from other fraternities in this manner labels the rest of us as degenerate, outdated, and inferior organizations.
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