A Call for Change in the Hazing Rights of Fraternities and Sororities

In the past few days, the death of a graduating college student of the University of Philippines in the Diliman campus spread through the news. The type and extent of physical injuries sustained by the college student and through the testimony of two attending physicians concluded the death of the student as excessive physical trauma due to hazing. It's a pity that another student with a promising future died due to the irresponsibility of the members of the fraternity he wanted to join. This is disturbing especially since this fraternity have renowned members in the Senate and other positions of power.

What does this say about the fraternity and its members? Some would say that joining a fraternity necessarily involves hazing and the decision is made by choice. If a person knows that he or she cannot handle hazing but insists on joining anyway, then the fraternity should not be responsible for any untoward incidents. While it is true that joining is by choice, a fraternity with this perception negates the purpose of fraternities of practicing accountability to themselves and to their brothers and sisters.

What is hazing anyway? This involves physical and mental tests, the accomplishment of which initiates the applicant to the group. Tests constitute the bond among the group members in experiencing and hurdling the same tests. The intensity of physical and mental tests depend upon the tradition of fraternities and sororities. For most, the unassuming paddle used to navigate boats became the symbol of physical pain expressed through varying shades of red, purple, blue and black on your skin just even after a number of hits. Mental tests can range from decision-making, commitment and even to humiliation.

Based on the decription of hazing and the purpose it serves, does this include risking the lives of applicants. The answer would definitely no. Even if extreme physical and mental difficulties are justified as testing the limits of potential group members, no fraternity or sorority is worth the sacrifice of life. Even the grandest benefits that fraternities and sororities offer cannot outweigh the value of life.

I call for the exercise of accountability for the deaths of students through hazing. Fraternities and sororities need to step back from the culture of complacence and violence and re-assess their original purpose. CHANGE is NEEDED NOW.