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The Role of Tradition and Power in Greek Life 

Tradition often plays a vital role in shaping the identity of fraternal organizations, frequently celebrated as the glue that binds members together, fosters loyalty, and creates a sense of belonging. Yet, this loyalty can sometimes create a culture of secrecy and tradition that lead to the acceptance of harmful practices for the sake of “doing it for the brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” In Episode One, “Binging to Belong”, a new member states, “It [tradition] builds a group sense of strength.” This perspective highlights how the emphasis on tradition can eclipse individual well-being, leading members to either participate in or remain silent about hazing practices in exchange for a sense of belonging to the group. 

Power plays a critical role in perpetuating these traditions. Hazing often hinges on a hierarchy where senior members wield control over new or prospective members, using their influence to demand conformity and silence. This coercive nature of these interactions reinforces an imbalance, as new members may feel unable to stop or report harmful practices without jeopardizing their place within the group. 

In Episode Six, “Racism and The Machine,” one interviewee reflects on the dynamics at play: “When you have a system that only allows white men to thrive, then you have a breeding ground to put marginalized groups against each other. And so all you can do in that moment is hold on as tightly as you possibly can to any level of proximity to power.” This statement underscores how traditions can become entangled with power structures that not only uphold hazing practices but also silence marginalized voices within the system. 

cover graphic for the A&E series, houses of horror: secrets of college greek life

Moreover, these traditions often become shrouded in secrecy, with rituals and processes hidden from outsiders and even new members. This lack of transparency fosters an environment where harmful behaviors can flourish unchecked, creating a cycle of abuse that is hard to break. The intertwining of secrecy and tradition and power thus fuels a culture where hazing and exclusionary practices persist, leaving members feeling both complicit and powerless to challenge the system. Power dynamics further reinforce this cycle, as Lukes’ (2005) three-dimensional view of power illustrates. Leaders often exert authority to dictate hazing rituals, suppress dissent to maintain traditions, and normalize harmful behaviors through internalized group norms, making resistance feel futile. Combined with the pressures of groupthink and the desire for acceptance, these dynamics create an environment where individuals conform to damaging practices, perpetuating a cycle of hazing. 

The Impact of Secrecy and Tradition on Reporting 

Secrecy is a powerful deterrent to confront hazing. When members feel they must protect their organization’s image at all costs, the fear of exposure often prevents them from speaking out. 

In Episode 5, “Drowning in Secrets” of Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life, the tragic story of Kristin High and Kenitha Saafir serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the deadly consequences of hazing rituals shrouded in secrecy. On the night of September 9, 2002, sorority hopefuls were blindfolded and taken to the dangerous waters of Playa del Rey, California, where Kristin and Kenitha were among them. Clad in matching black running gear, they were subjected to a series of calisthenics on the beach before being led into the ocean as part of a misguided Simon Says ritual.

Witnesses recall that the surf was tumultuous that night, with riptides and waves reaching ten feet. Tragically, both women were caught in the ocean’s grip and ultimately drowned, leaving behind the promise of a bright future as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the nation’s oldest historically Black sorority. Notably, other members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. did not come forward about the events of that evening. The overwhelming pressure to protect the organization’s image can deter individuals from speaking out, allowing harmful behaviors to persist unchecked.  

This devastating incident highlights the impact of secrecy within Greek organizations, where the desire to maintain a facade of strength and tradition often takes precedence over the safety and well-being of individuals. The fear of exposing harmful practices can silence members, perpetuating a culture where abuse remains unchallenged. The overwhelming pressure to uphold the image of their organizations can deter individuals from reporting hazing, fostering a dangerous atmosphere where harmful practices continue unchecked. The legacies of Kristin and Kenitha are tragic reminders that the pursuit of belonging must never come at the expense of personal safety and well-being.

Empowering Change Through Transparency

A cultural shift toward transparency and accountability is essential to combat the negative aspects of secrecy and tradition. By fostering an open dialogue about the realities of hazing and the risks associated with certain traditions, organizations can begin to dismantle the culture of silence that allows abuse to persist. 

Educational initiatives emphasizing transparency in fraternity and sorority life can empower members to challenge harmful traditions. Institutions must also hold organizations accountable for their actions and promote a culture where speaking out against hazing is not encouraged but celebrated. Several updated state laws, catalyzed by tragedies, now require institutions to produce transparency reports on hazing incidents. Additionally, the recently passed federal legislation, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, mandates that colleges include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Reports, establish campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs, and publish their hazing prevention policies along with the organizations that have violated them on their websites. It is important to note, national organizations remain exempt from these requirements and are not legally bound to produce their own transparency reports. Requiring national organizations to participate in this effort could significantly help shift harmful hazing cultures and increase accountability across the board. For more information on the Stop Campus Hazing Act, you can learn more here. 

The Way Forward: Dismantling Harmful Traditions 

To combat hazing within fraternal organizations effectively, it is crucial to shift the focus from upholding dangerous practices, under the guise of secrecy and tradition, to fostering a culture of safety and respect. This transformation begins with a commitment to transparency and accountability. 

Implementing comprehensive educational initiatives can empower members to challenge harmful practices and promote healthy environments that foster belonging and wellbeing without abusive behavior and hazing. Workshops, discussions, and training sessions that highlight the risks of hazing and the importance of open communication can help dismantle the stigma around reporting abuse. By creating an environment that encourages members to speak out, organizations can work towards eliminating the culture of silence that has historically protected hazing practices.

One valuable resource for promoting transparency is HazingInfo.org, a database that provides critical information about hazing incidents and policies across various campuses. HazingInfo.org helps shine a light on institutions and organizations that fail to prioritize student safety by making data on hazing incidents publicly available, including details about specific chapters and institutions. This transparency empowers students, parents, and campus administrators to make informed decisions, advocate for change, and ensure that organizations are accountable for their actions. 

By prioritizing the safety and well-being of all members and promoting transparency through platforms like HazingInfo.org, organizations can redefine their values and ensure that the bonds formed within these groups are built on trust and mutual respect rather than fear and intimidation.

Stay Connected 

As individuals, community members, and stakeholders of institutions and national organizations, proactive steps to foster a safer, more inclusive environment in fraternity and sorority life must be taken. 

As we continue to address the challenges within fraternity and sorority life, we invite you to explore our StopHazing resources to support you. These include materials designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to hazing effectively. One of our most recent research pieces, Hazing and White Supremacy, delves into the intersection of hazing practices and racial power dynamics, offering insights into how specific organizational structures perpetuate exclusionary practices. You can read more about this research here. We also encourage you to visit our Intersections page, which explores how hazing intersects with other forms of discrimination and marginalization, such as racism, sexism, and classism. These interconnected issues further compound the harm caused by hazing and are essential to understanding how to combat these practices. 

While this concludes the A&E blog post two-part series, stay tuned for new resources to support these efforts further. Join us in advancing our shared goal of promoting healthier, more supportive environments and preventing hazing.

References: 
Lukes, S. (2005). Power: A Radical View. 2nd Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

Author:

Lauren Griffin, Research-to-Practice Intern & Masters Student at University of North Texas