Syracuse University on Monday night released results of its long-awaited Greek life review. The review, essentially described as an audit, was announced during the Theta Tau videos controversy last spring, and aimed to comprehensively identify and address problems in the Greek community, officials said. After taking nine months to complete, SU released an executive summary of the review following Chancellor Kent Syverud’s Winter Message.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board found that the review was, at times, vague in its language and extremely open-ended, and fundamental issues seemed apparent in how the executive summary was compiled.

Community engagement in the report was low. Despite more than 30 percent of campus being involved in Greek life, only “more than 260 people” participated in focus groups that were used to conduct research for the report, according to the university.

With that data, how can this report truly provide an accurate and objective look into the state of Greek life on this campus?

But despite that obvious flaw, what comes next for SU can rectify any mistakes in the university’s review. If SU is serious about wanting to create real, systemic change to create a safer and more inclusive Greek community, it needs to be proactive and transparent by continuously informing students about its progress in implementing some key and noteworthy recommendations laid out by consultants who compiled the review’s executive summary

As part of that commitment, it is imperative that SU publicly describe what tangible steps it takes to better prevent hazing behavior on campus.

From the report’s section on hazing: “Although hazing did not seem to dominate the conversation with the affiliated students, there were some underlying concerns shared by them. Some examples included sleep deprivation, extreme exertion/exercise, and verbal and emotional abuse.”

Hazing is a paramount safety concern and updates must be provided to the SU community on the university’s work to eliminate these described practices.

They’re barbaric.

The report recommended, among other things, the creation of a “comprehensive” hazing education program, the creation of a detailed “Hazing Incident Report Form,” a review of Penn State’s hazing policies “for consideration” and the training of resident assistants to be alert for any signs of hazing.

Comprehensive. Hazing Incident Report Form. For consideration.

SU can prove it cares. But it’s going to take a long time.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.

Published on January 15, 2019 at 11:18 pm

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com