Officials work to end hazing reinforce positive image of Greek life

Chancellor Holden Thorp spoke to new Interfraternity Council members Wednesday"" delivering the message that he won't stand for hazing at UNC.

""I want you guys to clean up your act"" Thorp said to the audience. I'm not afraid to take this on.""

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life began an anti-hazing campaign at the beginning of the semester targeted at Greek students.

It was designed to educate students on how to report hazing and to teach the community that hazing is unacceptable at UNC.

The University defines hazing as any physical or emotional injury done to an individual as part of an initiation process. Violation of hazing policies can result in a misdemeanor charge.

Wednesday's program was the second hazing discussion IFC members have heard this semester. The first focused on UNC's hazing policies" while Wednesday's dealt with reforming any irresponsible fraternity behavior.

Jennifer Levering assistant dean of students of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life" said the campaign is the most comprehensive hazing reform ever proposed at the University.

""I think that we've made some good strides on campus to combat hazing" she said. I wouldn't say it's a major problem on our campus but I think it's something that we need to constantly educate people on" because it does exist in some of our chapters.""

Levering said the prevalence of hazing at UNC is often misconceived. She also said chapters are encouraged to show strong leadership to diffuse the often negative perception of Greek life.

""It's not the majority of the chapters that are hazing"" Levering said. It's a small number that are negatively reflecting on the entire community.""

David Neal" a first-year Kappa Sigma pledge" said he thought hazing was not a significant problem at UNC. 

""We don't have to worry about it"" he said. I just don't really see it happening much on campus.""

IFC Vice President of Special Events Michael Chomat" a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity" said he thought Thorp's talk was very effective.

""It just shows the University's commitment to helping not only the IFC but individual fraternities" he said.

Thorp said he is dedicated to helping Greek students reform their organizations.

I think they know that the chancellor wants both the image and the substance of Greek life to improve" Thorp said.

The objective is not to eliminate Greek life but to allow the positive aspects to continue to contribute to the campus.""



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.