Louisiana State University’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity is under investigation after Maxwell Graver, an 18-year-old pledge died Sept. 14.
The exact cause of the Graver’s death is yet to be determined, but it is being investigated as a possible fraternity hazing. Significant traces of alcohol were found in the student’s blood, according to a statement released Sept. 15 by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. All Greek activities at the university have been suspended indefinitely pending the results of the investigation, according to CNN.
Norman Pollard, dean of students at Alfred University in New York and a licensed mental health counselor, said steps could be taken to prevent future tragedies from happening at other college campuses.
“To have a person that just started school—it’s a tragedy,” Pollard said. “One thing that could possibly help is to have a student take one full semester of classes before being allowed to pledge and have a gap year of time.”
Having more knowledgeable people involved in the recruitment process could be beneficial as well, Pollard said.
“The involvement of adults, like a strong alumni association or faculty administration, could make a difference,” Pollard said. “Have people with more experience and wisdom in logic.”
Pollard said hazing as a whole is merely a part of the recruitment process of most sororities and fraternities.
“Does anyone start out saying ‘I’m going to hurt someone today?’ No,” Pollard said. “It’s part of a ritual.”
If hazing were to get out of hand at other universities as it did at LSU, Pollard said it is very common for suspension of Greek associations to occur.
“The suspension of all Greek activities at LSU sends a message to other sororities and fraternities on campus,” Pollard said. “It shows the seriousness of the matter.”
The University of Memphis has also suspended a Greek association in the past for hazing. In 2015, members of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority were accused of making their pledges answer to cruel names, slapping their faces and breaking a nose in the process, according to a 2015 Daily Helmsman report. As a result of the hazing, Zeta Phi Beta was suspended for three years.
U of M students, like 21-year-old health science senior Chol Rambang, have not ever witnessed hazing on campus.
“Fortunately, we’re in a smaller campus community compared to other universities,” Rambang said. “We do not have the presence of hazing, but I’m not saying it doesn’t occur.”
Rambang said it is important for students to be aware of hazing on campus.
“We don’t necessarily as a student body see the presence of hazing, but we all know it could happen,” Rambang said. “We must be aware and be the voice to speak about this.”
