Walking on campus the other day, I noticed a line of young men adorned in suits and ties with their somber faces advancing in file. Is it that time of year again where pledges of our fraternities are transformed into citizens of elite social organizations holding strong to the virtues of their affiliated national organizations, or is this just a perversion of the intent of the founders of greek societies that has continued to perpetuate campus culture, marring those who observe of ever joining their ranks?
A day in the not too distant future may arrive when alcohol is banned from greek houses and campuses nationwide, as the scrutiny of public opinion and the legal system crack down on identifiable sources of alcohol abuse. Leaders of national fraternities are not discouraged—they remain optimistic—for they believe that their organizations will begin to draw from less traditional crowds of independents and free thinkers looking to take part in the camaraderie associated with intellectual enlightenment.
It seems as though they may be a bit disengaged from the reality of their constituents. Too often, traditions are so deeply rooted that their removal comes with tremendous opposition. Many would argue that the hard work and “right of passage” that a young man encounters during a pledging period will forge him into a longstanding contributor to his prospective organization and better equip him to withstand the adversity that he may face in future engagements.
Recently, the director of the prestigious Corps of Cadets program at Texas A & M—three-star Army general John Van Alstyne—came under tremendous scrutiny from alumni who were outraged that he ordered all upperclassmen to discontinue all hazing practices in the Corps. Alumni felt as though he was jeopardizing the program, and they credited their success as officers in the military and leaders in their professional careers to the character and work ethic that was developed their freshman year, which was filled with the immense physical, mental, and emotional strains that come with hazing and the demands of the Corps. Gen. Van Alstyne told his senior cadets that he wanted them to assert “positive leadership,” stating that younger cadets would follow them because they set the example of doing what was right. Still, some current students responded to the new policy by saying that the reason they came to Texas A & M was the long standing traditions of the Corps, which they believe sets them apart from other military schools, and that this may compromise their development.
It seems perplexing that the upperclassmen and alumni feel as though they assist young cadets in character develop by neglecting to practice their own character. I thought character was doing what you know is right, regardless of the situation or circumstance with no exceptions granted.
Now it is time for our upperclassmen to lead by example, and I ask that if the program producing the most officers outside of the U.S. service academies can change their model to reflect complete respect and dignity given to new members at all times, then why should our fraternities be an exception?
