SU should implement detailed database for conduct violations by Greek orgs
The Daily Orange Editorial Board commends Syracuse University for publishing recognized Greek organizations’ standing in regard to conduct violations online. But like its peer institution Cornell University, SU should also include specific reasons behind penalizations with the standings.
SU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs currently designates chapters under warning, disciplinary reprimand, disciplinary probation, social probation, interim suspension, indefinite suspension and expulsion statuses. Per SU’s website, the designations, which are determined by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, allow students to reflect on behaviors that violate the university’s Code of Student Conduct.
Of SU’s 16 peer institutions, four — Cornell, Lehigh University, American University and Southern Methodist University — include information surrounding the organizations’ standing with the university. Of the institutions, Cornell’s database in the most proactive measure to shed light on hazing practices.
Each incident associated with the seven fraternity and sorority violations that took place during Cornell’s spring 2017 semester includes a detailed description of the violation and outcome of the university’s review. For example, one violation description includes, “During the new member period, older members provided excessive amounts of alcohol to underage new members at a private residence. As a result, one new member was transported to the local hospital for alcohol poisoning.”
When asked why SU doesn’t go into more detail with its Greek organizations’ standings, a university spokesperson said in an email: “Because some of these violations can be sensitive in nature, one-to-one communication as it relates to the specificity of the violation is the most appropriate way to ensure the privacy of the students impacted.”
But during the 2017-18 academic year alone, SU has disciplined two fraternities for hazing violations, and has three on probation, two on disciplinary reprimand and one under investigation, respectively.
Greek life is a major sector of student life at SU and a significant marketing tool for the university. If the university is going to host Greek life, organizations must be held accountable for violations against students’ physical and emotional wellbeing to prevent further incidents.
Although SU is posting violations online, it should provide more detailed information on organizations’ violations of the Code of Student Conduct so students can make informed decisions about their personal safety, their social lives and the organizations they affiliate themselves with.
If SU doesn’t make this information available, The Daily Orange will work to create a database of conduct violations to serve SU’s student, parent and alumni communities. But the editorial board hopes SU will join Cornell in setting a cultural standard by valuing accountability, safety and transparency in a way that protects students’ privacy in situations that can have life-or-death consequences.
The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.