BLOOMBERG NEWS – College leaders, fraternities and their critics called Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s ban on pledging a milestone in the history of efforts to end hazing, saying it could save lives and spur other Greek groups to follow suit.
Yet, across the country, SAE members and other fraternity brothers voiced reservations, saying the ban of pledge pins and other traditions could damage the close-knit brotherhoods. Others warned of pledging — and dangerous hazing — going underground.
On Friday, the national organization overseeing SAE, one of the largest U.S. fraternities, announced what it called a “historic decision” to ban pledging, the months-long induction period for new members. At least 10 deaths since 2006 have been linked to hazing, alcohol or drugs at SAE events, more than at any other fraternity, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
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