This well written article from the N.C. State "Technician" examines some of the ways that innocent and even honorable events can,over time change until they become hazing.
In the early 1900's, freshman hazing was thought to be a right of passage at N.C. State. Violent and humiliating, the annual hazing incidents were expected and hardly questioned. That is, until the freshmen of 1907 stepped on campus.
Tired of the hazing, the entering freshmen challenged upperclassmen to a one-day brawl that would put an ease to future hazing. The class of 1911, too, vowed never to haze future incoming classes. Impressed with the class' decision to end freshman hazing, university officials named the 1911 building in their honor.
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The recent incidents in the Delta Sigma Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternities have once again brought attention to the problem of hazing on university campuses. The punishments of these fraternities beg the question of why?
[T]he events that lead to hazing are supposed to be ritualistic and special, as well as deeply thought out and planned by the big brothers.
John Mountz, director of Greek Life, said hazing occurs precisely [when] that doesn't happen - when "brothers are uncreative."
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So far, none of the fraternities at NCSU have been noted for any hazing that involves physical abuse, but the hazing that has occurred may have had impacts on students academically. However, with hazing on other campuses resulting in fatal injuries and inexcusable deaths, the fraternities of NCSU definitely have come a long way from the awful hazing tactics of the past.
As for fraternities that do not participate in hazing, others' actions still have an effect on them.
"Hazing gives our already struggling Greek Life an even harder time," Salyer said.
Changing the tradition of hazing
