The Inter-Fraternity Council elected new leadership to its executive board for 2014 Thursday. Among the chief concerns for the new executive board is a continuing effort to reduce hazing during the pledging process.
Last April, in the wake of several hazing allegations, University administration intervened in the pledge process and demanded that the University’s fraternities initiate all of their new pledges within a shortened time span.
Third-year College Student Tommy Reid, the newly elected president of the IFC, was optimistic about the group’s outlook and said this is a crucial moment for the organization as a whole.
“Greek life … is at a really, really critical point,” Reid said. “We have sort of the resources and the intelligent student body to be a leader in preserving our traditions … and [in] moving forward in initiating progress.”
Reid said the previous executive board has already made significant improvements this fall to mitigate hazing concerns.
“After the crises last spring … this year was very much a touch point for us,” Reid said. “They’ve laid a really good foundation to recover from those crises really well.”
Second-year College student Chase Pion, newly elected vice president of judiciary, said some of this success is evident in the minimal number of cases brought forward to the Inter-Fraternity Council Judiciary Committee this semester.
“The Inter-Fraternity Council Judiciary Committee has not been busy,” Pion said. “That means we’re doing our job correctly.”
Though last semester’s hazing crisis was a significant problem, it does not need to define the image of fraternity life, Reid said.
“I think that those issues have been overblown slightly,” Reid said. “We understand [the sanctions] were appropriate at the time, absolutely.”
Reid said reducing hazing concerns starts with communication with the presidents of the various IFC fraternities. Reid said that because fraternities are self-governed organizations, their commitment to fighting hazing is crucial above all else.
“When every president is on board, then every chapter is on board,” Pion said.
Pion also said the IFC hopes to reach out to potential members and educate them on hazing to prevent future issues.
“We can give [those choosing to rush] a lot of advice and allow them to make smart decisions,” Pion said. “That’s the end goal: to make sure everyone’s safe.”
Reid expressed confidence in the IFC’s ability to handle future challenges. Specifically, he credited the dedication and innovation he expects from the new executive board.
“It’s a tremendous group,” Reid said. “We’re here to move on to the future.”
Read More
Board of Visitors ends support for racial diversity goals
By Brendon Bordwine | 6 hours agoThe newly approved resolution, titled “Advancing Free Inquiry and Viewpoint Diversity at U.Va.”, calls for efforts to create a campus environment that supports open political dialogue, constructive debate and respect for differing perspectives.
Student Council unanimously approves Summer 2025 budget
By Lauren Seeliger | 8 hours agoUtilization rates refer to the amount of money actually used within the allocated budget — increasing these rates to prevent wasted money has been a primary goal of Student Council.
Bert Ellis reflects on time as member of Board of Visitors
By Cecilia Mould | 15 hours agoWhile Ellis entered the Board with certain priorities in mind, he said that most had not been accomplished during his term, without a majority of Youngkin appointees on the Board.
