In a generation pushing further and further towards human rights and equality, the common practice of hazing among Greek life is not as prominent as it once was, but it is not gone entirely.
“Greeks, and fraternities especially, are stigmatized as promoting a culture of hazing, and while this may be the culture some places, it is not the common trend.  In the year 2013 the common trend nation wide in the Greek community is anti-hazing,” said Logan Luquette, president of Interfraternity Council.  “Our missions as organizations are to shape members into better people and better leaders for the future.”
Southeastern recognizes the truth in what Luquette is saying and in result has a no-hazing policy implemented on campus.  If a group or individual is found hazing, repercussions will be put in place, possibly including suspension or expulsion.
“Southeastern Louisiana University does not tolerate the physical, mental or psychological abuse of any individual or individuals,” begins Southeastern’s Policy on Hazing.  These acts include “any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule,” as stated by the Fraternity Executive Association.             
“Hazing gives Greek Life a negative reputation and when organizations participate in it, all it does is tear everything we work hard for down. None of our organizations were founded on the principles of hazing,” said Mary Takewell, president of Theta Phi Alpha.
One of many stories where hazing has gone too far, according to Southeastern’s Hazing Policy, involves a pledge who was tied to railroad tracks by a chapter who even took the precaution of checking the times the train would be passing, but the train ran late that night.       
“I have heard many arguments about how hazing ‘builds brotherhood’ or that hazing ‘makes you a better man,’ but more often than not you see stronger fraternities with better brotherhood and more involved members when they do not haze,” said Luquette.  “Hazing is high risk with no reward.”     
Most Greek members at Southeastern seem to agree with and are thankful for the non-hazing policy.  Several members mentioned that avoiding hazing in the Greek system seemed to strengthen the system and relationships within the chapters.                                               
“We were all different classifications and no one is better than the other. Incoming freshmen already have a lot to deal with when it comes to getting acclimated to college life,” said Lowell Doney, president of Pi Kappa Alpha.  “Whether it be making new friends, or maintaining a high GPA, I don’t see how hazing can leave a positive impact in creating their ideal college experience.”
National Hazing Prevention Week takes place Sept. 23-27 as to recognize the importance of preventing hazing.