The Prairie View A&M University Greek Symposium was held Sept. 4 in the MSC auditorium. The program was very informative to many students here on campus. Many students attended, some in organizations, gave their experienceof hazing for students in CSO organizations, and some were not.
However, this symposium was beneficial, because, Dr. Gregory Parks, who is an expert on black Greek lettered organizations, gave in-depth history of the background of fraternities and sororities, as well as traditions and the origins of the pledging process. Many of us had no clue that hazing was once a college tradition that was said to be a right of passage for freshman students. Some of these traditions were not as fun and innocent as others. It also gave an eye opening perspective of our own history here at Prairie View.
The President of Philander-Smith College, Dr. Walter Kimbrough gave information on what happens when hazing comes to light. He explained the severity of the consequences that occur when students get caught hazing. Hazing has resulted in students being emotionally scarred, seriously injured physically, and even death. Those who participate in hazing students, face consequences such as probation, expulsion, fines, and even prison sentences.
Sheleah Reed, director of public relations here at Prairie View, explained to us the importance of social networking in Greek life.
Social networking can be beneficial to fraternities and sororities such as promoting events to the student body. However, Reed explained that it could also be a star witness against the organizations in the media and even in court when there is trouble. In other words, “watch what you tweet.”
President George C. Wright shared his experience and his opinions on Greek life to help students understand his decision of the 2009-2010 Greek moratoriums.