In light of shocking new evidence seen on MTV's "Fraternity Life," UB officials are beginning to think that some fraternities on the UB campus may haze their pledges.
"I can't name names, but I can say that the UB Greek Office is beginning an investigation on the hunch that some fraternities at UB may haze their pledges," said Pam Stephens-Jackson, the university liaison for Greek affairs.
According to the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG), whose charter UB follows, hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other activities carried on outside or inside the confines of the chapter house; wearing in public apparel which is conspicuous and not in normally good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the laws and policies of the educational institution."
The episode of "Fraternity Life" depicted the on-campus fraternity Sigma Chi Omega forcing their pledges to do pushups.
Although the university is just beginning their crackdown on hazing, many students seem aware of the presence of hazing in most pledge programs.
"You mean, pledges have to do pushups and stuff?" asked Jared Choset, a junior undecided major. "I thought that pledging was getting to know the brothers and the history of the fraternity over the course of the semester. "
As a result of the episode, Sigma Chi Omega has been suspended from campus pending an investigation.
"I don't know if pushups should count as hazing," said Sol Hudson, a senior sociology major. "Although I guess sneaking into a zoo in the middle of the night could be considered 'public buffoonery.'"
"Personally, I am shocked and appalled by what I saw on MTV," said Stephens-Jackson. "I couldn't believe that the fraternity was making their pledges do activities that were inappropriate. I mean, who knew?"
Vice President of Student Affairs Dennis Black said he was unaware of any present infractions by on-campus fraternities.
"I haven't seen anything that I would call 'hazing' anywhere on campus," said Black. "When I see pledges walking around with strange haircuts and penises drawn on their faces, I figure it's just some sort of statement."
UB President William Greiner suggested that one reason UB has not seen any hazing is because the majority of fraternity events take place at the fraternity houses on South Campus.
"That's probably the main reason. I mean, how are we supposed to find out about it if it happens on South? I think it's become pretty apparent that UB has little to no interest about anything that happens on South Campus," said Greiner.
Colin Healy, president of Sigma Chi Omega, said he was surprised to find out that UB was notified that the fraternity's hazing was caught on camera.
"I had no idea that MTV would air it," said Healy. "Man, if those pledges thought pushups were bad, I can't wait until the next lineup."
UB's Inter Fraternal Council (IFC) said that some fraternities may send their pledges on scavenger hunts and force them to clean the fraternity houses, among other activities, even though the guidelines are strictly against such activities.
"I don't understand why (the fraternities) do it," said council Vice-President Alan Greenstein. "When a fraternity gets their charter, UB automatically sends them a copy of the FIPG rules, which includes the campus' definition of hazing. It's like they completely ignore the rules and haze anyway."
Other students believe that hazing may have been going on long before the "Fraternity Life" episode aired.
"Yeah, I guess it was kind of weird when I saw a group of nine guys walking around all with purple headbands," said Dan Watterson, a freshman psychology major. "I just thought they were all in a gang or something."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
