LETTERS: INFURIATING HAZING TALK

To the editor:

I have just read with great disappointment the Oct. 7 article headlined, "Hazing offenders speak to pledges." The article resulted in my immediate infuriation as I read the comments from Isaac Sims, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity who participated in the weeklong hazing activities that led the death of Michael Davis:

"As a whole, I have to give our fraternity outstanding marks. What happened to Michael Davis was a tragedy. But the fact is that he wanted to be a great man, and he wanted to join our organization."

Mr. Sims, are you saying we should have a big disclaimer posted on the doors of your fraternity's houses? Perhaps it should say, "Kappa Alpha Psi has been known to kill, but it's a risk you'll have to take to be a great man and a member of our organization."

And since when did the definition of an outstanding organization include the physical abuse of people who sought membership?

I am tortured with the knowledge that Michael isn't totally devoid of responsibility for what happened, but I think Mr. Sims has forgotten that Michael paid the ultimate price by being beaten to death.

As I ponder this article, I'm left with disappointment in my heart and a pitted feeling in my stomach, because I feel Michael's death didn't have much of an impact on the people who needed it most.

Meanwhile, Michael's family and friends are periodically reminded of the fact that his death seems to have been merely an inconvenience for arrogant fraternity members who feel they are immune from society's moral standards and laws.

I am also disenchanted knowing that Mr. Sims can be seen on college campuses giving his halfhearted talk about hazing while Michael's friends and family must go to St. Peter's Cemetery in St. Louis to see the results.

CHUCK MILLER

Jefferson City