Last week's occurrence at Florida State University was a tragic incident that has happened one too many times on campuses across America in recent months. In February at Penn State, a 19-year-old pledge died after falling down the stairs while intoxicated. Then later in the year in September, a pledge at Louisiana State University died of alcohol poisoning after a hazing ritual. After the death of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi pledge on Friday and another incident with a fraternity brother selling drugs, President Thrasher suspended all fraternities and sororities for an indefinite period of time. Let this be an example that leads to positive change.

While fraternities and sororities are sometimes seen in a negative light, most if not all are filled with students who strive to do well in school, make a difference in their philanthropy and truly find a home on college campuses across America. Events like the ones that occurred last week harm the reputation of fraternities and sororities, however, this can help chapters make a change for the better. While many chapters across the nation do not haze, many do and it goes unreported. President Thrasher's actions, while strict, are a good stepping stone to changing the culture of hazing that has led to three student deaths in the past year at different universities. These were students aged 18-20 who had bright futures ahead of them. Their lives were taken too soon because of the unhealthy hazing culture present in some fraternities on various campuses. By taking a stand, FSU becomes a catalyst for change across the country.

Previously, I stated that not all fraternities and sororities have this culture. This is something I firmly believe, after speaking with several students on campus and hearing testimonies from friends who love their brothers/sisters and pride themselves on their philanthropic efforts and the high academic standard their chapter holds them to. In order for these organizations to stand out and help promote this culture of change, it is essential that people speak up and focus on the good they do. By speaking out against hazing and taking a stand, fraternities and sororities can help fuel the fire and change campuses across the nation.