The University of Arizona has suspended all 21 of its fraternity chapters from activities while the Dean of Students Office investigates a wave of misconduct reports. Nearly half of the chapters are under investigation for violations that include physical assault, hazing, and drug and alcohol offenses. Six fraternities, including Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, and Phi Gamma Delta, were suspended immediately.
One of the most disturbing reports involves Sigma Tau Gamma, accused last month of forcing members to drink large amounts of alcohol and swallow live goldfish. According to university officials, the dean’s office is now at capacity for cases it can investigate, and every pending case involves a fraternity. Chapters in good standing can resume activities once their adviser attends one of three mandatory meetings.
For families here on the Suncoast, this story hits close to home. Many of our students head off to big universities where Greek life is part of campus culture, and hazing is illegal in Florida for good reason. The University of Arizona says it won’t tolerate violations that put students in harm’s way. The bigger question is whether a mandatory adviser meeting is enough to change a culture that keeps producing these reports.
What do you think? Should universities take a harder line on Greek life, or is there a better way to hold chapters accountable without punishing everyone?
