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Sept. 21-25, Hazing Prevention Week |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 | 3:00 PM EDT
CARMEL, INDIANA – Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., like many fraternities across the nation, will take the opportunity during this prevention week to address the issue of hazing. Hazing policies exist to assist in the management of safe environments for our undergraduates to become indoctrinated into and maintain membership in our Greek organization.
Hazing, in its many and varied forms, permeates diverse settings throughout our society (e.g. social clubs, athletics, the military, the workplace, various youth groups, etc.); it is deeply imbedded in and reflective of pervasive cultural norms, making it difficult to eradicate. Moreover, it has gained acceptance among a number of students often because of their attitude toward team building and finding pleasure in putting each other in humiliating situations without any perspective of resulting consequences.
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity in conjunction with 20 international fraternities and sororities joined forces in a coalition to establish the Greek Anti-Hazing Hotline. The toll-free number is 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). The Greek Anti-Hazing Hotline is part of the ongoing attempt to end hazing on college campuses and particularly within Greek organizations. Here are a few common myths about hazing:
MYTH: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go awry.
FACT: Hazing is an act of power and control over others – it is victimization. Hazing is pre-meditated and NOT accidental. Hazing is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening.
MYTH: As long as there’s no malicious intent, a little hazing should be O.K.
FACT: Even if there’s no malicious “intent”, safety may still be a factor in traditional hazing activities that are considered to be “all in good fun.” For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts and kidnapping trips. Besides, what purpose do such activities serve in promoting the growth and development of brothers?
MYTH: Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline.
FACT: First of all, respect must be EARNED – not taught. Victims of hazing rarely report having respect for those who have hazed them. Just like other forms of victimization, hazing breeds mistrust, apathy and alienation.
MYTH: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.
FACT: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can’t be used as defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to the group.
This fraternity does not exist for the purpose of power and control of others, but rather an opportunity to build men, to make men better. It is because of our purpose that we strongly enforce a zero tolerance policy as it relates to hazing. Our undergraduates are encouraged to engage in dialog and participate in campus programming that address this issue.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Latour, Director of Chapter Services
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| 317.843.1911 x235
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Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded at Yale University in 1845, and currently recognizes 68 chapters and colonies across the country. The Fraternity aims to be the co-curricular organization of choice for discerning young men through the provision of an enriching brotherhood experience and a full range of character and leadership development opportunities. The national headquarters of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity is located in Carmel, Indiana.
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