My freshmen year of college I wanted to join a sorority. Unfortunately, due to my friends' and then boyfriend's lack of interest in Fraternity/Sorority Life, I didn't join. Instead, I joined my Sophomore year, following my dream. This was the best decision I ever made because the Sorority I am a part of wasn't even on campus my freshmen year. My chapter was founded in the fall of 2015 and because we were not installed until May, I was also a part of the founding class.
I think one of the things I like the most about fraternity and sorority life at my school is that Johnson and Wales has a strict anti-hazing policy. There is absolutely zero tolerance for this act at my school, which is why I find it so disheartening that this happened two years ago at Johnson & Wales.
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The past couple of days my Facebook Timeline has been flooded with the story about how Terrance Bennett was pledging Tau Kappa Epsilon in 2014, a fraternity that is no longer on my campus due to hazing practices. Terrance was completely tortured and practically left to die because of the complete lack of respect that the active members had for their bids. When Terrance asked for medical attention he was denied it due to the fear of getting in trouble with the University and their nationals. He was finally taken to the hospital after being unconscious and awoke in the ICU. He endured multiple surgeries and was in the hospital for a month.
At first sight of this article, I was angry and confused. Questions raced through my mind such as: How could this have happened? Why is that a part of their initiation process? Then I became concerned. Since I am working at my University over the summer, I was nervous about what incoming students that are interested in Fraternity/Sorority Life would think. I didn't want the decision of one organization to influence them, they shouldn't have to be fearful of what they want to do.
When my University caught wind of this the chapter was immediately banned from the school. Ultimately, having the chapter then shut down on the National level. This means that members are no longer recognized as brothers and can not represent the fraternity in any way. This is a punishment that will last a lifetime.
The actions that took place in this chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon will have a long term effect for many people and many other chapters. As well as fraternity and sorority life. An amazing part of being in greek life is the sense of unity among all of the organizations.
As an active sister, I am blessed to be a part of an organization and University that does not tolerate hazing. The fear of hazing almost kept me away from joining, but after careful consideration and reviewing my Universities code of conduct I decided to go through with it. Being apart of a sisterhood is so rewarding, you learn so much about yourself and others. I wouldn't want anyone to feel like they can't be apart of that.
At Johnson & Wales, all of us in greek life stand against hazing and hope that this is followed for years to come.
