This fall, everyone has a fresh start — or at least the opportunity for one.
The university has implemented the ‘Fresh Start' program for all greek organizations, allowing them to come forward and admit their hazing wrongdoings in exchange for immunity for past actions.
We wonder how effective this new program will be, because it seems unlikely that any organizations will come forward at all. If and when greek organizations are caught hazing, they won't be sorry about the act, they will be sorry they were caught.
Many of the acts of hazing are probably viewed as "tradition." Harmless tasks that have been assigned during every pledgeship for years, perhaps even decades, will likely continue. Active members may not think twice about some events being against the law. It's all contextual — upperclassmen participated in certain activities during pledgeship, and thus believe that same activities will be fun and necessary for incoming classes.
Pledges can buy into these acts and complete tasks without questioning purposes. The nature of some actions defined as hazing don't warrant them coming forward.
In addition, the question of what actually constitutes hazing comes into play. For sororities, requiring new members to do just about anything is considered hazing. Actives can get in trouble for drinking with new members or holding study tables as other greek organizations that might limit showering, food and sleep during pledgeship.
The Fresh Start program is good in theory, an incentive program. But when people in the organization don't see a problem with the acts, what will be accomplished?