LSU President F. King Alexander announced all Greek Life activities would be suspended while the University investigates the possible hazing-related death of 18-year-old student Maxwell Gruver.
The death of any student on campus should merit a thorough investigation – particularly when that death might involve hazing – and the University is right to temporarily suspend activities to address this problem.
This is not the first time a University fraternity has been investigated for hazing activity, and it is not the first time Greek activities have led to the death of a student. Just over 20 years ago, a student was found dead in LSU’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon house with a blood-alcohol content of .588, more than seven times the legal limit.
In 2003, Delta Chi was suspended after allegations of paddling, sleep deprivation and excessive calisthenics. One student was allegedly kidnapped, stripped and had a pillowcase soaked in rubbing alcohol placed on his head before being physically abused and forced to drink rubbing alcohol until vomiting blood, according to The Daily Reveille archives.
In 2013, a decade later, Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended after hazing allegations that were “sexual in nature,” where members were encouraged to take the virginity of a sorority woman, according to archives.
Then two years ago in March 2015, Acacia was suspended following allegations of forced alcohol consumption, personal servitude, physical violence, thefts during a trip to Auburn University and meal restrictions, the Reveille reported.
It is clear that past actions have not addressed the issue as a whole. This suspension is an opportunity for University officials to take a hard look at LSU Greek Life to determine how to finally and totally put an end to hazing at the University. It is, however, absurd that it took the death of a student to spur possible change.
Greek Life organizations undoubtedly do good for the University and its surrounding community through philanthropy and serving as campus leaders. But failing to address issues that threaten students’ lives ruin any positive impact these groups have on LSU’s culture.
Even after numerous instances of hazing by several different organizations, the Greek community at large has failed to do any sort of internal reflection to solve this problem. We – as students of this University – sincerely hope this tragic incident brings about change. If the leaders of these organizations fail to take action, any future blood of brothers and sisters is on their hands.
