University firm on its stand against hazing

Although the number of non-traditional students -- adults who are seeking college degrees or certification in order to advance their careers -- is growing at campuses across the nation, the number of traditional students who, in many cases, enjoy financial support from their parents is still strong.

When a student picks a school to attend, there is an expectation that he or she will receive an education in a chosen field. If parents are footing the fees, there is an expectation that this education will be provided in an atmosphere that promotes learning and development. And the university also has an expectation that students will pursue their academic and social responsibilities in a beneficial way.

Part of the success of any college career, of course, occurs outside the classroom. In a variety of ways, students gain maturity and life skills that will enable them to function well in whatever career they choose to pursue.

Certainly, the socializing of a college student is an important part of this process. As a result, various organizations, including fraternities and sororities, play an important role in the overall college experience.

Universities in general -- and Southeast Missouri State University in particular -- take their responsibilities to students seriously. And when it comes to social organizations endorsed by the school, there is a particular level of concern resulting from events of the past that have had unfortunate consequences.

At Southeast, the hazing death in 1994 of a student has been the impetus for clear, unequivocal procedures dealing with the university's absolute ban on any hazing-type activity. Unfortunately, some sanctioned groups have chosen to ignore those procedures and have been dealt with accordingly.

In the most recent case, the university acted swiftly and decidedly when it learned of an incident that left a fraternity pledge with a rather serious injury.

Whether or not this was, in fact, the result of hazing, the university left no doubt in anyone's mind that activities resulting in physical harm will not be tolerated, no matter what spin the participants might want to put on it.

When college-age young men start horsing around, there are bound to be a few bumps and bruises. Most of the time, those who engage in such activities have no intention of causing bodily harm. And it goes without saying that a lot of such incidents never get reported to university officials.

But here is a clear case where the injured party sought redress from the university -- only after making up a story about how the injury occurred and only because the fraternity wouldn't pay his medical bills.

As a result, the fraternity has lost its standing as a university-sanctioned organization.

The university's actions show it remains committed to watching out for the best welfare of its students -- even when some students undermine the protective policies that are in place.