Stop. Think. Act.

Words like these go against everything every fraternity and sorority stands for, yet they are spoken all too often. The reality is your fellow Fraters and interfraternal brothers and sisters are facing fines, a permanent mark on their record and, perhaps worse, jail time for their actions. This is in addition to mentally and/ or physically damaging others.  Hazing is serious. Hazing is wrong. Hazing can ruin your life and those you are hurting.

Why do it? The majority say it’s because they have always done it. This is completely wrong. Do you think our Founders made the first members perform illegal actions or became verbally abusive towards them? No, they didn’t. Do you think our Founders made rituals and/ or activities to be demeaning? Of course not. Then why do we continuously do things that no one would be proud of if made public? This type of behavior should not be tolerated on any campus and in any organization. Yet, it continues.

Tau Kappa Epsilon has always had a firm stance on hazing - we do not tolerate it. We adopted a No Hazing policy many, many years ago. This organization was founded on the principles of inclusion and diversity, so why are there still those who look to not only make a bad name of Tau Kappa Epsilon and Greek Life, but also of themselves? Hazing is not a punch line to a joke. It is serious business and if you choose to ignore it, you will be taken out of this organization.
 
Seeing news headlines with the words “Hazing” and “Fraternity” needs to stop. What are you trying to prove? The true test of man is standing up for someone when they can’t. As Fraters, we do this all the time with service, philanthropy and each other. Magazine and website articles have been written for you to read on the dangers of hazing. While they have made some impact, obviously there are some Tekes and others out there who think, ‘it will never happen to me’ or ‘we won’t get caught.’ This is the wrong attitude to have.  Not only will your chapter and you get caught, life as you know it will change forever. Instead of a polo and shorts, you will be sporting an orange jumpsuit and sitting in a 6’ X 8’ box. Life after prison for convicted felons brings with it difficulty finding jobs, restoring friendships and a multitude of other problems.

You have plans to graduate college and get a great job. Why would you jeopardize it? Your future is so bright right now – don’t risk it all in order to show someone how “cool” you are. You aren’t when you haze. The men who want to join this organization look up to you. They hang on your words and mimic your actions. What type of example are you setting for the future health of you chapter and the entire organization? Think about this before you walk into that new member meeting. Think about this when the chapter is talking about the weekly activities of the new member class. Don’t look back with regrets - make a difference right now.

Re-commit to TKE and your chapter by living the ritual and the bond you spoke. Promise each other that being your brother’s keeper is real and extends to the men who want to join you. Entrust your faith in TKE’s principles, ideals, and mission. In 1899, our Founders blazed a new trail built on debunking the stereotypes of Greeks. Continue this tradition.