In light of recent headlines about hazing deaths on U.S. college campuses, we are requesting you send us feedback so we can highlight some positive news. Is your organization doing anything to prevent hazing? If so, what? Are you participating in National Hazing Prevention week (NHPW)? Should alumni take a more proactive approach to help Brothers/Sisters be a positive influence for the university and their respective houses? In recognition of NHPW, we would like to explore what Greek Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is doing to prevent hazing.
UNC does not condone any type of hazing within the fraternity and sorority community. HazingPrevention.Org, an organization whose goal is to empower individuals and provide educational resources against hazing, is the driving strength behind NHPW which runs from September 22-26, 2014! NHPW is an opportunity for institutions, groups and individuals to raise awareness about the problem of hazing, educate others about hazing, and promote the prevention of hazing. As a new 2014-15 member of HazingPrevention.org, UNC is one of 25 only institutions advocating for a safer Greek community through this organization.
To kick off NHPW, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting "Hazing, and the Connection of Violence and Belonging" with Dr. Sheila Smith McCoy on UNC's campus. Twitter is also abuzz this week with tweets from fraternities and sororities across the U.S. and the UNC campus. Alpha Chi Omega UNC @achio_unc , tweets, "Real strong women don't haze. This week is National Hazing Prevention Week. Use #honorAXO and #NHPW14 to engage in the conversation!" UNC also provides a Hazing Hotline to monitor activities related to campus activities and Greek life.
While UNC is monitoring activities and anti-hazing campaigns run their course, what is the best course of action to make Greek life a positive influence on campus? Please send us your thoughts.