Hazing Prevention Events Not Just for Fraternity, Sorority Students

The events are intended to be of interest to the general public and not just for members of fraternities and sororities, according to J.J. Reardon, the student in charge of public relations for the center. For example, there will be a candlelight vigil featuring guest speakers who are victims of other forms of violence, not just hazing. Last year's vigil brought together over 200 people.

Another item of interest to the public is the showing of the local PBS movie, "Unless a Death Occurs: Hazing Examined." This documentary examines the 2003 hazing death of Walter Dean Jennings, a SUNY Plattsburgh freshman. Immediately following the movie, there will be a panel discussion of students and administrators who were on campus at the time.

The entire week is being presented in honor of Jennings, according to Allison Swick-Duttine, director of fraternity and sorority life and organization development. The events are part of the college's on-going efforts to be proactive and to contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

The schedule of events for the week is as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 24 - Fraternity/Sorority New Member Education Showcase, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Angell College Center, Alumni Conference Room. Fraternities and sororities will discuss what they have done to eliminate hazing in their organizations and the components of their developmental new member education programs. A cash prize will be given to the winning fraternity or sorority.
  
  
• Monday, Sept. 24 - Candlelight Vigil for the Victims of Violence, starting at 8 p.m., by the Walter Dean Jennings Memorial outside of Hood Hall. Campus and community members are invited to join in this remembrance of the victims of violent acts, including hazing, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. This event is co-sponsored by the Violence Prevention Project.
  
  
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 - "My Experiences with Hazing," talk by Panhellenic Council President Kelsey Angell, at 8 p.m. in the Alumni Conference Room. Angell, a SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus (Sigma Delta Tau), will discuss how hazing once divided and nearly destroyed the local fraternity and sorority community.
  
  
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 - Book Club Discussion of "Black Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-Letter Fraternities," led by J.W. Wiley, Director of Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion, at 12 p.m. in Angell College Center, Meeting Room 8. Participants are invited to join in a discussion regarding Ricki Jones' book about hazing in historically black fraternities.
  
  
• Thursday, Sept. 27 - "Unless a Death Occurs: Hazing Examined," at 7 p.m. in the Angell College Center, Warren Ballroom. The public is invited to a screening of the documentary created by Mountain Lake PBS in the aftermath of the Jennings' death. Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion of the 2003 incident.

In addition to these events, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life will host an anti-hazing booth in the lobby of the Angell College Center from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., throughout the week. Members will hand out free anti-hazing buttons and talk with visitors about what they can do to stop hazing.