President's Report Masthead
June 30, 2012

Greek life/pledging update

During the spring semester, the University received multiple reports of hazing involving more than 12 organizations across multiple Greek councils. Due to the serious nature of some of the complaints, the dean of students suspended all pledging activities and established a process for groups to petition for the opportunity to induct new members if they met certain guidelines. Many of the University’s Greek organizations followed the process and were able to move forward to induct new members.

We also prioritized the complaints we had received and undertook investigations. Some groups were cleared, however, six organizations remain under investigation. While there are a number of factors that make the complaints credible, verifying the allegations is challenging given that individuals who bring forward complaints are often unwilling to participate in formal judicial proceedings.

We intend to engage student leadership within fraternities and sororities in what we hope will be an honest dialogue this upcoming fall semester. This dialogue will center on the terms of the University-Greek letter organization relationship and effective measures to change the culture around new-member recruitment and induction. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the Greek life system at Binghamton and to ensure participants enjoy an experience that is safe, respectful and also enjoyable.