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As a future Director of Student Life, I will be supervising student engagements and events. Among all the student life department, lies Greek life. The fraternity and Greek life organizations have been present in higher education systems for decades and even centuries. They were created to enhance college experiences through academics, networking, and social support. These organizations have been considered as controversial and are often depicted by media in a negative way. Therefore, as a department head it is important to learn how such organizations functions. As well as how to protect the institution and its students by observing regulations, policies, and laws pertaining to Greek Life. Methods in which we can discipline fraternities and Greek organizations. I chose this topic because as a former fraternity member, there were regulations not being practiced by student life coordinators. If these individuals were informed of the following slides, many students would have had better academic and social outcomes.

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Within the Student Life Department, engagement it is necessary to foster a sense of belonging. It is the institution's job to create an adequate environment for students to grow and build the skills necessary to become competent community members. Engagement also helps students by focusing on positive alternatives within the institutions and avoiding detrimental factors in which could affect their academic integrity. Such factors include underage drinking, sexual misconduct, and physical altercations. All students are considered, including those which are part of student organizations, honor societies, or Greek Life members.

This presentations will focus on the discipline of fraternities and Greek life organizations. Such memberships have a negative connotation due to hazing, underage drinking, and academic performance. Each fraternity has rules regarding recruitment and initiations, which many students may not know; until it is too late. The purpose of this presentation is to inform student life coordinators, counselors, and department head; on how to approach Greek Life students and determine severity or lack of help for this student population.

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As a future Director of Student Life, our goal is to keep students involved and promote events for student engagement. Events will be scheduled throughout the school year and serve as positive alternatives, allowing students to avoid engaging in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual misconduct, hazing, and drug usage.

Fraternities and Greek life members often face stigma related to the engagement in risky behaviors, reputational issues, and academic struggles. Students who are members of fraternities or Greek life are aware of what they are known for and have identified some issues. Many students join to enhance their academic experience and for social support. Greek life students have addressed that most problems are seen during recruitment initiation and partying culture (Porta et al. , 2021). When recruiting potential members many active Greeks aim for freshmen students, because theses often look for ways to fit in. Current members have mentioned they fear for the consequences and reputation their fraternity or sorority are involved in.

Greek life members mentioned that hazing occurs during initiation, which in some schools has lead to tragedy. Hazing is defined as the imposition of strenuous, often humiliating, tasks as part of a program of rigorous physical training and initiation. Some participants have mentioned that during their initiation they were forced to drink or engage in harmful acts. Some students have passed away due to the harsh conditions they were submitted, in which led to the incarceration of the perpetuators (Fowler, 2025). Fraternities are also known for their partying culture and inviting all of campus. This attracts underage drinkers, because of the lack of age regulation. Partying in these conditions have also led to sexual misconduct through drug usage. Greek Life members have expressed their concerns and are open to collaborating with universities to ensure the safety of their chapter and other students. Consequences are enforced by educators, advisors, and their Interfraternity Council (Porta et al. ,2021)

Fowler, K. D. (2025). Not four years but for life? A sequential explanatory study of fraternal chapter advisors’ perceptions of hazing [ProQuest Information & Learning]. In Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences (Vol. 86, Issue 3–A).

Porta, C. M., Elmquist, S., Martin, L., Sampson, K., Stack, K., Hill, A., Lee, A., & Driessen, M. C. (2021). “it could bring down Greek life as a whole”: Greek Life Members’ Perspectives on party culture, safety, responsibilities and consequences. Journal of American College Health, 71(5), 1486–1496. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1942004

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Levitan (2018) addressed the issues regarding Greek life self rule.

Ban of 5 fraternities from WVU because of creating independent Interfraternity council

Ban for a decade

Fraternities decided to create own council due to the university's decision to hold freshmen from joining Greek life their first year. After the death of a rushing pledge.

Levitan, M. (2018). WVU President Bans Five Fraternities After Trying to Form Independent Council. Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 35(20), 5.

Montague's (2008) research demonstrated two points of view from the victim and offender. Study showed different student points of view on membership and initiation processes.

Drugs are often used during initiation linked to hazing.

Upperclassmen believe that membership should be earned.

Hazing is criminalized in most states but law and universities are not working in unison to bring an end to hazing.

Montague stated "Hazing can have damaging effects both physically and psychologically. Many have suffered from “traumatic injuries including irreversible intracranial damage, blunt intra-abdominal organ damage, third-degree burns, heat stroke, suffocation, aspiration, sexual assault, and death”

Offenders believe that hazing creates closer union and stronger bonds

Many students aside from joining for community service, join Greek life for partying and drinking

Montague, D., Zohra, I. T., Love, S., McGee, D., & Tsamis, V. (2008). Hazing Typologies: Those Who Criminally Haze and Those Who Receive Criminal Hazing. Victims & Offenders, 3(2/3), 258–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564880802034943

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Snyder's (2017) mentioned issues with the monitoring and regulations of fraternities; years after following the death of a sophomore pledge.

Issues regarding alcohol consumption has not been monitored and stated that Penn State should be held accountable. Drinking is banned from some social events at Penn state.

Penn state university allowed Greek life members to lead their own Interfraternity Council. Which is about to changed after students policing themselves.

Penn state has had 4 deaths reported to be linked to hazing and alcohol consumption

7,000 students holding leadership positions are members of at least 76 sororities or fraternities

Snyder, S. (2017). Grand jury report: Penn State failed to properly monitor fraternities, hazing.

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Slide #6 Statutory Law CLERY ACT & STOP HAZING ACT

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Slide #6 Statutory Law CLERY ACT & STOP HAZING ACT

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The CLERY ACT is a federal law used in colleges in universities to report any criminal statistics and any policy changes. This act can be tied to Greek life when there is an incident that causes harm to students.

Often overlaps with Title IX in how campus security authority responds to incidents of dating, rape, or sexual assault.

This act handles reports of aggravated assault (hazing), arson, homicide, and hate crimes.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f) (2018).

Stop Campus Hazing Act will become a statutory law once the president signs and becomes law. So far this future act has been passed the senate.

This act will hold organizations who inflicted hazing accountable.

Will publicize record of organization who engaged in these behaviors on campus website.

Bring awareness to reporting types of hazing

Will ensure campus safety by prioritizing reporting hazing incidents and establishing prevention programs.

H.R.5646 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Stop Campus Hazing Act, H.R.5646, 118th Cong. (2024), https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646/text.

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The Texas Education Code addressed hazing offenses and their consequences. This allows education institutions such as colleges, universities, and high schools the ability to report. This protects those involved in hazing including students and staff.

Affects those who participated in hazing, encouraged, or attempted to permit hazing to occur.

Failure to report they will be charged with a class b misdemeanor ($2,000).

If serious bodily injury is caused Class A misdemeanor any offense resulting in death leads to state jail felony.

Texas Educ. Code § 37.152 (2023).

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Tex. Educ. Code § 37.152 - Personal Hazing Offense

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A person commits an offense if the person, engages in hazing; solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging...

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Slide #8 Judicial Law ENGEL V. VITALE & GRUVER v. LOUISIANA THROUGH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE

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Slide #8 Judicial Law ENGEL V. VITALE & GRUVER v. LOUISIANA THROUGH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE

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The Engel v. Vitale case of 1962 was in relation to the separation of religion from state in public schools; and promoting students' individual rights. Although there is no connection between the discipline of fraternity or Greek life matters, it has influence in protecting the individual and institution rights.

Enforcing policies that protect student rights

Higher education institution must protect students from hazing, sexual misconduct, and harmful activities.

Regulating Greek Life council in order to ensure compliance with institution regulations

Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962).

The Gruver v Louisiana Through Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is a current case that happened in February of 2023. This case covered the case of Max Gruver who passed away after being hazed by The Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

First federal court rule of a university could be sued under Title IX.

This case is significant because of the university governance and the protection of individual rights within educational institutions

Forced to drink during hazing initiation, while underaged. Fraternity brothers failed to take call for help.

Coroners found BAC of 0.495 which is 4x over the legal limit for adults.

Ruling was in favor of the university due to not having congruent connections and proof, that demonstrated legal standards

Gruver v. La. Through Bd. of Supervisors of La. State Univ. & Agric. & Mech. Coll., No. 3:21-CV-00198, 2023 WL 1234567 (M.D. La. Feb. 2, 2023)

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Slide #9  Constitutional Law 14 Amendment 

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Slide #9  Constitutional Law 14 Amendment 

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The 14 amendment establishes that all U.S citizens and naturalized residents are provided with the same law protections. This was established in 1868 and contains two clauses that may pertain to the discipline of fraternities and Greek life.

Due Process: Ensures fair procedure of life, liberty, or property.

Ensures that hazing offenders receive all equal opportunities for hearings and appeals; as well as for the victim

Fair procedure for both accused and accuser of sexual misconduct allegations by the law and university policies.

Disciplinary actions for underage drinking within IFC and university's.

Equal Protection Clause: Requires states to provide equal protection to all people within their jurisdiction.

Ensure that anti-hazing policies are applied without discrimination.

Advocate non-discriminatory law against underage-drinkers and sexual misconduct. Allowing fairness for all students to report and not challenge specific demographics.

Equal Protection Clause: U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1.

Due Process Clause: U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1.

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The Student Code of Conduct of Angelo State University allows student to know the consequences of violating any of listed terms. The Dean of students is in charge of following up and connecting an investigation to decide the course of action. This can analyze whether the student has to be suspended or expelled from the institution. This also applies to individuals who are not students, where the university will partner with San Angelo Police Department to address the immediate removal or address the situation. Students who bring guests who cause problems will also have repercussions

Hazing:

Student code of conduct addresses how to report and the penalties of these actions

Failing to Report: 180 days in jail/ fine up to $1,000

Hazing not Bodily injury: 90-180 days in jail/ Fine $90-$1,000

Hazing resulting in Bodily Injury: 180 days to 1 year in jail/ Fine $1,000-$5,000

Resulting in Death: 1-2 years in Jail/ $5,000-$10,000

Angelo State Fraternity also is in compliance with The Texas Education Code, Section 51.936(c). This code requires postsecondary educational institution to address any organization convicted in hazing on or off campus (2024).

This allows students to make clear decisions about which fraternity or sorority they plan to join; and if they have any hazing allegations.

Kappa Sigma Fraternity is listed under the Angelo State University Hazing Statement Page; as a fraternity to watch out for.

Sexual Misconduct:

Angelo State university is in compliance with the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. This is a federal law that provides tools to combat violence against women and offer protection to victims of abuse.

ASU in accordance to VAWA prohibits discrimination based on sex.

ASU provides prevention workshops to avoid sexual misconduct and promote trainings for all staff to be mandated reporters.

Reporting can be done at Bluelight emergency boxes, online, and in person with Title IX Coordinator.

ASU offers supportive measures involving living, academic, and work arrangements.

Underage Drinking:

Angelo State University prohibits any possession of alcohol within ASU property.

This includes students of age living in ASU dormitories.

Possession of alcohol in ASU facilities, will lead to fines, and preventative training programs.

ASU is in compliance with The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) of 1989 that states institutions to establish policies that address unlawful possession.

Angelo State University (2024), Code of Student Conduct, Part I, Section C: Procedures for Student Organizations https://angelo.policystat.com/policy/16132749/latest

Angelo State University (2024), Code of Student Conduct, Part I, Section B: Procedures from the Office of Student Conduct for Students https://angelo.policystat.com/policy/17003273/latest

Hazing statement. Angelo State University. (2024). https://www.angelo.edu/life-on-campus/lead/greek-life/hazing-statement.php

Violence Against Women Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. §§ 13925 et seq. (1994)

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Langford (2008) stated the following regarding hazing prevention, " There is no one-size-fits-all solution to hazing. A thorough analysis of local hazing behaviors and contributing factors enables planning teams to develop solutions appropriate to their campus." As a future Director of Student Life, it is important to adapt to the changing student generations and keep up with current trends. This will allow me to address behaviors that can be prevented and provide adequate support. It is better to begin an initiative and course of action to tackle hazing, sexual misconduct, and under age drinking. This will put focus on improving fraternity and Greek life interactions, and promoting a safer environment while maintaining Greek life traditions.

Leadership is essential to tackle and carry a response plan. Transformative and servant leadership would allow me to be more empathetic and be able to connect with students. Be transparent with my institution and promote awareness through work shops, and policy making as well as access any problems with the right disciplining. As a leader, I would want my students to take initiative in helping their fellow classmates by participating in hazing, sexual assault and under age drinking awareness events or community volunteer opportunities. Malaret et al. (2021) stated the following, " These emerging leaders were also provided service-learning, co-curricular leadership opportunities, and high impact practices in order to become stronger leaders for the university community."

Malaret, S., Allan, E., Graham, G., Esquenazi, C., Bacon, D., & Whalen, P. (2021). Teaching student leadership, ethics, and group responsibility for Hazing Prevention: An exploratory study. Journal of Campus Activities Practice and Scholarship, 3(1), 17–33. https://doi.org/10.52499/2021012

Langford , L. (2008). A comprehensive approach to hazing prevention in higher https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED537679.pdf

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Hazing has been around for centuries having vast connections with other cultures. Banks & Archibald (2020) mentioned the reason to the current stigma Greek life has in the following excerpt, " However, fraternity and sorority life has faced numerous challenges and changes over the last decade. Various media outlets have reported multiple incidences connecting Greek life to hazing, sexual assault, drug abuse, and death." This has a current negative connotation but back in the day, Hazing was view as a method for obedience (Banks & Archibald, 2020). Hazing has lead to many deaths in America, and higher education institutions highlight the problem with Greek life organizations. Many member continue the cycle because it is seen as a tradition- if you make it out. Therefore, hazing has been criminalized in various universities and continue to be transparent about the dangers of such organizations (Banks & Archibald, 2020). A way to end such acts can be through building rapport with alumni and establishing the same core values as the school, for which they uphold their alma matter in great regard. Banks & Archibald (2020) stated, "Building a strong relationship with the alumni chapters and national organizations of fraternities and sororities can also help support the mission of anti-hazing. It is sometimes necessary for the national organizations to make demands and/or apply pressure on their affiliated fraternity or sorority in which the institution cannot. (pp. 7, para. 3).

Banks, S. A., & Archibald, J. (2020). The state of fraternity and Sorority Life in Higher Education. Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.20429/gcpa.2020.360103

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The following are my recommendations to having a more safe and established campus environment as well as methods tackle fraternity and Greek life challenges.

Build rapport with the founding fathers and alumni from the chapters; in order to show appreciation and also to promote mentorship.

Have a well established Greek Life coordinator that can run IFC meeting properly, and bring attention for improvement

Establish recruitment events and establish the freshmen recruitment hold, to allow incoming students to foster their own sense of belonging. These students are still moldable and can be deterred from impulsive decisions.

Make an assessment list that consist of mandatory trainings and attendance. In order for them to be in compliance with the institution and its IFC.

Remember to address the organizations lack of power over the institution. Greek life organizations are invited to campus, and can be dropped.

Allow campus police to host safe non-alcoholic events as a partnership for Greek life members to ensure the safety of their own members.

Banks, S. A., & Archibald, J. (2020). The state of fraternity and Sorority Life in Higher Education. Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.20429/gcpa.2020.360103