Frat Bans Pledging, Citing Deaths and Hazing Incidents

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Monday, March 10, 2014

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity has officially banished pledging in order to prevent further hazing-related incidents. The fraternity has a high number of serious incidents and decided to take action, setting a precedent that other national fraternities and sororities may soon follow.

"As an organization, we have been plagued with too much bad behavior, which has resulted in the loss of lives, negative press, and large lawsuits," SAE's top official, Bradley Cohen, said in the official statement. "We have taken our bloodline for the fraternity – our new members – and treated them as second-class citizens."

According to SAE's website, the traditional pledging program, which generally lasts two months, will be replaced with what is called the True Gentleman Experience, which will return back to the original traditions of SAE's founders. Now, instead of pledging, a student will be extended a bid, or an offer to join the fraternity, and immediately become a "collegiate member required to accept the Scope of Association Agreement and complete the Carson Starkey Membership Certification Program."

SAE has been associated with at least 10 deaths since 2006, according to Bloomberg News. These deaths included hazing, alcohol, or drugs at SAE events, leading officials within the organization to take a second look at how things were being managed.

"Feedback has shown us that prospective members fail to join fraternities because they do not want to be hazed, assaulted, abused or bullied in order to 'earn membership,'" the statement noted. "We have experienced a number of incidents and deaths, evens with consequences that have never been consistent with our membership experience. Furthermore, we have endured a painful number of chapter closings as a result of hazing."

Not everyone is pleased with the change, however. Former members who experienced pledging as a "rite of passage" are especially unhappy by the news.

"I won't give one dime more to this embarrassment of a decision. Nice job goofballs!" Jeffrey Swift posted to SAE's Facebook page.

"This is embarrassing," added Jack Madigan.

Officials, though, stand by their decision and hope that it will make more students feel welcome and consider joining SAE.