IFC committee takes on hazing

and Tammy Reiss The InterFraternity Council voted unanimously last week to establish an Anti-Hazing Commission to review the current University hazing policy and to determine a specific date for the end of pledging this year. The commission will review the University's definition of hazing and how it applies to the Greek community. The group will also educate pledges and current fraternity members about hazing, according to InterFraternity Council President and College senior Josh Gottheimer. Wharton senior and IFC Vice President Tim Lash said the commission will clarify policies on hazing for both the fraternities and potential pledges. "The idea is just to place risk management tools in effect before pledging next spring," said Lash, a Sigma Phi Epsilon brother. He added that the commission's clarifications will give the fraternities "no excuse" for poor conduct during the pledging period. Gottheimer said although hazing is often a stereotype of Greek life, he hopes the formation of the system will allay fears of hazing within the Greek system. "No major hazing incidents have occurred in years in the IFC," the Alpha Epsilon Pi brother added. Gottheimer noted that although hazing supposedly occurs in athletic organizations and performing arts groups, the IFC is the only system to take proactive measures to prevent hazing in its pledging activities. The commission will also determine a deadline for when chapters must end their pledging activities. The establishment of a deadline indicates the Greeks' commitment to the importance of academics, because it will allow students to complete pledging with a reasonable amount of time before final examinations, he said. IFC Vice President for Rush Nick Lemen, a Wharton senior, and between four and six IFC chapter presidents will make up the commission, Gottheimer said. "This is our first step in taking what we consider necessary and essential precautions," he added, noting that the commission would issue a report by winter break, effective for 1997 spring rush.