EDITORIAL: Risky business

Hazing and other ritualsHazing and other ritualsinvolved in inucting newHazing and other ritualsinvolved in inucting newmembers into a groupHazing and other ritualsinvolved in inucting newmembers into a groupshouldn't include alcohol.Hazing and other ritualsinvolved in inucting newmembers into a groupshouldn't include alcohol.____________________________ Still, for at least one of these students, over-imbibing doesn't seem like it was an innocent misjudgment. It was likely part of her introduction to life at Penn as a member of a varsity athletic team. Greek organizations at the University are often criticized for hazing their new members in nasty and even dangerous ways. Pledges at one fraternity, for example, are told not to speak to anyone except brothers of their house during the week before they are initiated. New members of one women's social club carry thermos filled with alcohol and must drink when they see sisters. But the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs has -- and has exercised -- the power to discipline organizations that permit these sadistic rituals to continue. Last year, one fraternity was suspended for allowing a brother to walk a pledge around the neighborhood blindfolded. Another accepted a stiff settlement after serving alcohol at a rush event, which sent a prospective brother to HUP. Although the exact hazing activities that various organizations engage in may be intentionally kept secret, the reason behind hazing is far from mysterious: shared humiliation and experiences that force unacquainted students to trust one another can create group cohesion and loyalty. However, when these activities carry a serious risk of grave illness -- and even death -- they are absolutely, unequivocally wrong. A capella and theater groups, honor societies, athletic teams, Greek organizations -- all are entitled to welcome new members in their own unique way. But learning the lore and traditions of a group you're about to join shouldn't require signing your life away or pounding beers until you puke. When an athlete's grades aren't up to par, he's declared academically ineligible. If he is feeling under the weather, his coach will allow her to sit out one game. And if he's been injured, the team trainer will not permit him to play. But who's policing the role models on these teams, the seniors and captains who should be setting examples for younger players? This kind of oversight is imperative for the future success and continued good reputation of varsity athletics at Penn. And it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on what those other groups do, too.