KDR plans to change ways after hazing violations

After a hazing incident last semester, Kappa Delta Rho is taking steps to change hazing practices in both its own fraternity and the rest of JMU.

"We are moving forward, away from the ‘Animal-house'-type party," said junior Nick Peterson, KDR president. "We are taking advantage of the new rules and sanctions to make this chapter better, as well as the Greek system."

During fraternity rush first semester, the fraternity received a Judicial Charge of Hazing dealing with a minor and alcohol, Peterson said. The individual obtained two charges of drunk in public and underage possession of alcohol.

"Our pledge program has taken out everything that has any dealing with alcohol, and we've submitted a whole new plan for this semester for a more educational focus," Peterson said.

From the national fraternity level, KDR was put on social probation until the end of February, meaning it can hold only dry functions registered with the university. It also must submit monthly reviews to its national executive director who speaks for the chapter to the national board, Peterson said.

The university sanctions, set by Greek life, included social probation until the end of the Spring 2002 semester and required KDR to hold a presentation on hazing for students and faculty to attend. For the latter punishment, KDR is organizing a panel of 10 people, including Greek presidents, church representatives and university Greek representatives to "give a wide variety of different perspectives on hazing," Peterson said.

"This is a way to take our punishment and make it positive," Peterson said. "It will basically be an open forum for whatever the audience wants to talk about, with a panel of 10 people who can answer questions and give comments."

KDR's hazing seminar will take place Feb. 26 at 8 pm in Grafton-Stovall Theatre.
"It's an educational event, and we encourage everyone to come," Peterson said. "We don't just think of hazing as a Greek issue."