In cleaning out my file of articles, I wanted to post a couple of items…
The State of Florida – There have been several recent articles coming out of the State of Florida’s colleges of interest. In some ways, they are all connected through the reaction to the death of Robert Champion last fall.
Florida A&M – The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has placed the accreditation for FAMU on probation. The probation is the result of concerns about safety and finances that came to light in the investigation following the hazing death of Robert Champion. While the University has taken notable steps to address these issues, it is vital to the future of the institution that this be resolved to the satisfaction of SACS within the one year probationary period.
Florida State – FSUnews.com has a story on the steps taken to address hazing, and hazing reporting over the past year. The University has also put together a very good hazing education website at http://hazing.fsu.edu/.
University of Florida – WUFT.com has a story on efforts by the UF Interfraternity Council to combat hazing. While there is nothing to indicate that this is connected, the Independent Florida Alligator reports that the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter at UF has been closed by the Sig Ep national board of directors. The chapter was under investigation by the university “for numerous violations of the University’s code of conduct,” including hazing.
Jacksonville State/Alpha Phi Alpha – The Anniston Star reports that three additional individuals have been charged “with first-degree assault, a felony, and two counts of misdemeanor hazing.” The charges stem from a hazing incident in November 2011, and involve individuals from the JSA chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Dartmouth – Boston.com reports on the successes of new policies directed at hazing and alcohol abuse implemented at Dartmouth this fall. However, Dartmouth is a deferred recruitment campus, and the real test of the new policies will likely come in the Spring semester.
Chico State and SUNY-Albany – Both of these institutions took to dramatic step of suspending all fraternities and sororities this fall in response to severe alcohol concerns (which resulted in a death at Chico). The response from the community has been interesting. ChicoER.com published a letter from the Chico Chamber of Commerce in support of that action, while The Knickerbocker Ledger posted an article describing the reaction from students and alumni to “what they say is unfair treatment by the University.”
