Her are some of my thoughts on the decision of SAE to end pledging.
I approve wholeheartedly and commend the SAE executive board for a bold decision that may save lives.
Some thoughts:
The decision to drop pledging was long overdue by a national such as SAE, particularly since it has experienced more hazing deaths than any other fraternity, as well as deaths and serious injuries from other risky behaviors.
The organization essentially had to do an end around its undergraduates who have consistently voted to keep alcohol in houses and to continue pledging as the status quo.
Expect a blowback from undergraduate chapters. Right after it was announced a Univ of Connecticut Kappa Kappa Gamma pledge blamed KKG and the SAE chapter of hazing her by forcing her to drink. She was hospitalized and claims she might have died had not someone called 911.
Clearly there will be undergraduate chapters defying the national, and the national’s resolve to punish such chapters will be tested.
Eventually, meaning in 4 years, all members who went thru the old-fashioned pledging will have graduated, and it should be much smoother sailing for the dropping of the pledge period..
As a business, SAE is making a sound decision. The benefits in fewer payouts for hazing cases will translate to huge risk insurance savings.
There still is a 4-day window from acceptance to member privileges for the new classes of SAE. School officials would be wise to keep a wary eye on SAE during those four days lest veteran members at some chapters decide it is important to indoctrinate the pledges the old way.
Hank Nuwer
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