Greeks' new reputation will take timeJournal and Courier Online - Editorial
Purdue University's Greek organizations are taking some important steps toward improving their reputations.
And none too soon. In 2006, a Sigma Phi Epsilon pledge ended up in the emergency room, his blood alcohol level a dangerous 0.49 percent -- more than six times the legal driving limit. The pledge recovered, but university officials rightly suspended Sigma Phi.
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Between 2001 and 2006, Purdue officials disciplined 34 student organizations, many for hazing violations, defined as any act that requires an act that "creates a substantial risk of physical harm ... or seriously demeans or degrades any person or interferes with any person's scholastic activities."
In 2006, university officials suspended Delta Chi fraternity, an action that stemmed from an investigation into alleged hazing.
Of the 10 university sanctions of Greek organizations in 2005, half were due at least in part to hazing. But alcohol and drug violations are often related as well.
In 2002, Purdue officials disciplined Sigma Nu fraternity's Beta Zeta chapter after an incident involving theft and underage drinking. In 2005, Purdue doled out a five-year suspension to Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity after three of its members were arrested on drug charges. The university withdrew its recognition of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity due to alcohol and drug violations. Two of three sorority sanctions levied from 2001 through 2006 were alcohol-related.
Purdue's Greek organizations are attempting to change long-held, often negative, perceptions about Greek life. Change is difficult. But the need for these changes cannot be ignored.
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