2008 Woodie Awards
Anonymous tips fuel IFC investigation into FIJI, Kappa Sig
Taylor Woods
Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: News
Recent investigations into hazing violations by five fraternities have raised questions of honor and responsibility. Director of Greek Life Jason Rodocker lamented "The Greek Community should consider what it means when people are compelled to report violations but afraid to be identified." New Member Education is suspended for Kappa Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta and the investigations into their activities is ongoing.
On Monday, February 5, Rodocker processed multiple anonymous reports of hazing violations. Five fraternities- Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, and Kappa Sigma- were put under investigation because of these tips. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, Rodocker arranged for an emergency Thursday IFC meeting at 3:30 in which Presidents and New Member Educators from all five fraternities met with the University's legal council.
The fraternity leaders gathered for the meeting were informed of their personal liability for hazing violations, even if they are not present for the reported activities.
She was brought in to "stress responsibility," according to Rodocker. The IFC then held meetings from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. to interview chapter leaders and New Members from each fraternity. The questions asked were specific and based on the anonymous tips received.
However, the sparse details and secrecy of anonymous tips frustrated IFC members. Rodocker stated "anonymous reports make it difficult to actually address the issues. It forces questions to be asked that sound like accusations." Because of the flaws in the interview process, Rodocker recommends that "anyone who knows anything should be forthcoming about all details."
Three of the fraternities interviewed are no longer under investigation. However, the investigations into Kappa Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta's activities are "ongoing" and "will not be resolved under after February Break," according to Rodocker.
Rodocker released the breadth of the incidents reported for the sake of deterring other frats from including them in their New Member Education. The list of reported incidents for the five fraternities includes "lineups," "forced consumption," "group suffering," "dropping New Members anywhere," "taking cell phones from New Members," "removal of clothing," and "prolonged exposure to the elements."
Despite the reports of hazing, Rodocker is optimistic about the year. He states "none of this should overshadow that more service projects have taken place, more groups have undergone leadership development, more groups have gotten TIPS trained, and attendance and participation was better than ever at the Content of Character and Day of Dialogue workshops."
However, the investigations are raising moral questions about the Greek system. Rodocker notes that "a code of silence" pervades most organizations and alleges "in a community that values honor, being forthcoming should be a priority."
On Monday, February 5, Rodocker processed multiple anonymous reports of hazing violations. Five fraternities- Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Gamma Delta, and Kappa Sigma- were put under investigation because of these tips. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, Rodocker arranged for an emergency Thursday IFC meeting at 3:30 in which Presidents and New Member Educators from all five fraternities met with the University's legal council.
The fraternity leaders gathered for the meeting were informed of their personal liability for hazing violations, even if they are not present for the reported activities.
She was brought in to "stress responsibility," according to Rodocker. The IFC then held meetings from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. to interview chapter leaders and New Members from each fraternity. The questions asked were specific and based on the anonymous tips received.
However, the sparse details and secrecy of anonymous tips frustrated IFC members. Rodocker stated "anonymous reports make it difficult to actually address the issues. It forces questions to be asked that sound like accusations." Because of the flaws in the interview process, Rodocker recommends that "anyone who knows anything should be forthcoming about all details."
Three of the fraternities interviewed are no longer under investigation. However, the investigations into Kappa Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta's activities are "ongoing" and "will not be resolved under after February Break," according to Rodocker.
Rodocker released the breadth of the incidents reported for the sake of deterring other frats from including them in their New Member Education. The list of reported incidents for the five fraternities includes "lineups," "forced consumption," "group suffering," "dropping New Members anywhere," "taking cell phones from New Members," "removal of clothing," and "prolonged exposure to the elements."
Despite the reports of hazing, Rodocker is optimistic about the year. He states "none of this should overshadow that more service projects have taken place, more groups have undergone leadership development, more groups have gotten TIPS trained, and attendance and participation was better than ever at the Content of Character and Day of Dialogue workshops."
However, the investigations are raising moral questions about the Greek system. Rodocker notes that "a code of silence" pervades most organizations and alleges "in a community that values honor, being forthcoming should be a priority."
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