To the Editor:
In response to Wednesday's editorial ("A haze of excuses," Feb. 15), we would like to clarify for all students Brown's policy on hazing. For any student seeking the policy, it is easily accessible on the Office of Student Life website under the student conduct policy. Brown's policy clearly states that hazing is a criminal offense as well as a University offense. We do not defer to state law, but we are in compliance with state law. Hazing is a violation of our conduct standards and is not tolerated on this campus. Disciplinary action has and will be taken against individuals and organizations that are in violation.
Every Greek organization and sports team has annual training and education about the hazing policy, which emphasizes our seriousness regarding enforcement of this policy. Sanctions for individual students have been levied in response to hazing allegations (these actions would not be visible publicly), and we follow up with organizations, including suspending chapters when necessary. In cases where we have sufficient evidence of hazing, sanctions will be more serious than probation.
This next point is harder to make but is very important. The culture within organizations that might engage in hazing tends to make it difficult to get information from members of those organizations (or even from knowledgeable outsiders) when there is a concern that hazing might be taking place. The best way to stop the culture of hazing is to report it. We stand with The Herald in calling for an end to hazing at Brown, and we ask that students with any knowledge of hazing on our campus come forward with that information to protect our community. Confidential reports can be made to Dean Allen Ward or at OSL@brown.edu.
Richard Bova, Senior Associate Dean for Residential and Dining Services
Margaret Klawunn, Vice President for Campus Life and Student Services
Allen Ward, Senior Associate Dean for Student Life
