Surprise, surprise: another hazing incident in the headlines. This time, controversy surrounds UF's own Alpha Phi Alpha, which has consequently been temporarily suspended after allegations of hazing surfaced last week.
Reports have indicated physical abuse and visible injuries, though no specific details have been given out. It is relieving to know that no one has been hospitalized, although any form of hazing on campus should not be tolerated.
President Bernie Machen's email to students announcing the investigation of the fraternity was a prompt and necessary response. The email reassured me that students' safety is a top priority on the president's long-running list.
The timing of the allegations could not have been worse, as the discerning eyes of the nation were already fixed on neighboring FAMU's November hazing incident, in which a 26-year-old drum major died. Several involved with his death are now under state investigation, and the university's once legendary Marching 100 band is now defamed.
The timing and location are too close for comfort, and the reputation of Florida frats may be beginning to snowball.
In my dictionary, Greek life is synonymous with trouble. The road to bid acceptance and the subsequent lifestyle is not always worth the promised perks.
In my opinion, the whole process is a bit crooked. After you get all dolled up and spend a few nights kissing ass for total strangers, the brothers and sisters convene and discuss you to see if you are "a good fit."
If you are worthy of their approval, you are offered a bid that you can accept and then pay some obscene amount for fees, which, in many cases, contradicts the "best value" aspect of UF. Many come to school here because they want to graduate with little or no debt at all, yet end up binding themselves to yearly membership fees.
There's always an initiation process. Some are more symbolic and welcoming than customarily "paying your dues."
Undeniably, UF is home to wholesome sororities and fraternities that are all about brotherhood and sisterhood, but these atmospheres naturally foster superiority of veterans over fresh meat, even within the so-called "family."
Hazing has a wide spectrum: It may be as minor as a "big" making a fake Facebook account for a "little" with embarrassing pictures and information, or it could be a serious criminal offense, physically, sexually and verbally humiliating others for the sake of tradition.
The latter occurs in hundreds of universities across the nation, where power-starved upperclassmen ruthlessly prey upon newcomers. It's the epitome of dehumanization.
It is also a grandfathered cycle: Someone was picked on and humiliated when he or she first began, and now it's his or her turn to "keep the tradition going."
It's a shame in UF's case that a historic black fraternity has to suffer through this type of incident. Alpha Phi Alpha's purpose is to serve as a networking tool for young, ambitious African-American students. Now, the organization is at risk of being permanently dismantled.
My hope is that the allegations against Alpha Phi Alpha are false. However, if that is not the case, whoever is responsible should be harshly dealt with in order to serve as an example for others who may cross the line in initiation practices.
I don't expect Greek life to disappear overnight; in fact, I'm not suggesting that would even be a viable solution. I hope students recognize abuse up front and walk away from fraternities and sororities that do so, as well as report any serious incidents. A life could be at stake.
College is a time to meet and socialize with others, usually without a paddle involved.
Colleen Wright is a journalism freshman at UF. Her column appears on Tuesdays.
