ut σαε brothers face the (muted) music

Following up on a previously blogged story, the four University of Texas Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers indicted in connection with the 2006 death of pledge Tyler Cross have pled guilty to charges including hazing and provision of alcohol to a minor. No charges held any directly reponsible for the death, which was ruled an accident. But even so the consequences seem disquietingly minimal. Two of those indicted were sentenced to community service; while the two brothers who were serving as pledgemasters while cattle prods and brands were wielded received a four day jail sentence. “We’ve obtained jail time for the most severe offenders,” announced the Texas DA, seemingly satisfied. To be fair, four days in jail is hardly a picnic for a college kid. Meanwhile, Sigma Alpha Epsilon marches on under an “agreement from the University of Texas to reduce hazing at that fraternity.” Reduce rather eliminate. Consequences for those involved seem lacking all around.