Six weeks ago, a freshman at the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo died in an accident allegedly related to his pledging Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In response, the university convoked a high council this past weekend to discuss issues raised by the tragedy. Not surprisingly, "alcohol abuse and hazing were the primary points of discussion," reports KSBY-TV. But Cal Poly's response is more nuanced than the typical knee-jerk reaction of administrations to unruly greeks; the month and a half elapsed since the incident reflects the cooling-off period to allow for deliberative rather than reactionary measures. (Though some knee jerking seems appropriate: Sigma Alpha Epsilon was ousted shortly after the incident, and its members were investigated vigorously for involvement.)
The greek leadership in attendance broadly agreed to vigorously guard against hazing and ban alcohol from all pledging activities—one wonders those weren't on the books already. The Winter recruiting season has evidently been cancelled. But perhaps most promisingly, this council is set to be followed by a more inclusive "Greek Academy" in a month which will expand the discussion from the seventy-odd high officers in attendance Saturday to a broader swathe of the rank-and-file membership. It is to be hoped that the continuing conferences will be used an opportunity for genuine give and take on greek life, rather than a trojan horse to impose unduly onerous restrictions. But to all appearances, Cal Poly's response to an undeniably appalling event has been measured, thoughtful, and productive.
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