Hey… It’s Sierra. Sierra Alden.
I’ve got something to say, so sit down, adjust the backlight and zoom in on whatever device you're reading this on, and continue…
Just think for a moment. Have you found yourself screaming in the face of a pledge recently? Have you pressured someone in your sorority or fraternity to drink copious amounts of alcohol? Has there been a time where you purposely deprived someone of sleep? Have you paddled or pissed on an unwilling participant? Can you recall an event in which you instructed someone to commit a crime in order to join your society? Has this reminded you of something else you’ve done?
Then this is for you.
Greek Life, welcome to your “tape.”
There are a few things I’d like to say to you, but for now I’ll just keep it to this:
Conor Donnelly. Tim Piazza. Ryan Abele. Praneet Karki. Charlie Terreni, Jr. Michael Walker. Clayton Real. Dalton Debrick. Nolan Burch. Trevor Duffy. Tucker Hipps. Armando Villa. Marquise Braham. Mike Deng. Anthony Barksdale II. Peter Tran. Marvell Edmondson. Jauwan M. Holmes.
18. 18 known deaths directly linked to hazing in just the past five years. And if we’re being completely honest with ourselves, it’s kind of your fault.
Students leave their homes, their safe bubbles of familiarity, and come to large institutions, seeking friends and somewhere to belong. They’re alone for the first time, unsure of themselves and vulnerable. And that’s where you come in. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, or a Trojan Horse if you will. Ever heard the phrase, “Beware Greeks bearing gifts”? And boy, do you love giving your pledges gifts. Greek life offers brotherhood, sisterhood, and a network of success stories to help people make their way in the world. It sounds like the deal of a lifetime! All that these young men and women have to do is pay their fee and sign their life away… Oh.
But that’s basically what you do, right? I mean, why else force someone to drink lethal amounts of alcohol? Why else have members body slam someone to death? Why else drown them? My questions are innumerable.
Greek Life, you disregard the lives of your initiates—human beings with hopes, dreams and families—for seconds of amusement. And why? Is entertaining you more important than their lives?
No.
Take a step back. Think about what you’re doing. Are you proud of yourself?
So, this is the part where I implore you to be more… Human. Care about others. Stop your sadistic hazing rituals. Conduct yourself in ways that are more productive. As the leaders of your group, you have the power and responsibility to lead a society to do great things!
Or you can spend your time in legal proceedings. Your choice.
XOXO,
Someone Who Cares
