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Recently did some stat-finding on the topic of deaths due to hazing (reportedly, not all are confirmed to be results of hazing).
84% of individual deaths occurred at public institutions (a vast majority are flagship or land grant institutions) from 2010-2017. (69% of students attended a public institution in 2015). 78% of hazing incidents resulting in death since 1980 occurred at those same institutions.
The rate of deaths due to hazing w/in fraternities or sororities has essentially doubled from the 20th century to the 21st Century, with 22 from 2000-2010 and 19 so far from 2010-2017 (vs. 12-13 in the 1970's, 1980's & 1990's)- but this could be due to increased reporting?
Thoughts:
1. Could you imagine if someone requested a suspension of public colleges/universities due to the higher risk facing students there?
2. Do universities share any burden in addressing their acceptance standards? (after all, they admit the students who commit these acts)
3. Given the increases in alcohol-free policies among fraternities since 2000, the increase in spending on anti-hazing/substance abuse education recently (millions of dollars per year), etc. Isn't it strange that the number of dangerous hazing incidents has increased rather than decreased, and does that mean that these approaches (hazing laws, fraternity banning of substances & education) are ineffective?
4. If that (#3) is true, why are those still our only solutions to this issue?
Just questions to ponder. I obviously don't think public schools would (or should) be banned. I'm definitely in favor of #2.
As for #3 & #4, I think fraternities need to rethink how they insure chapters in bulk & the effect that has on students taking policies created to keep insurance costs down seriously. (vs. if the students/alumni boards had to negotiate those policies themselves)
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