ADVERTISEMENT

OT: PSU hazing death....

pitt-girl

Board of Trustee
Gold Member
Mar 16, 2004
29,883
29,932
113
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
 
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html

From the 04/05/2017 edition of The Pitt News:
Editorial: Stricter Greek regulations combat dangerous drinking culture
LINK
 
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
No one wishes this upon any University in any state of of mind, the pain for Parents is just too much and CBS News did another story on it too, 60 Deaths on Over Drinking last year. Another Tragedy where mistakes, misjudgments, and waiting too long just hurt everybody trying to protect something when they need to stand up and not wait for the benefit of hindsight to show up!

Fraternities and Sororities are big part of University Life, I was a "GDI" but always supported "The Greeks" and they do many good things in helping the University, Community and Charities. Penn State has some of the Best! Enjoy going to a number of Sororties Sadie Hawkins Formals.

As stated earlier, been to Case Western Reserve University many times in Cleveland and Stanford. They have "The Greeks Pledges Initiations" as well. Ecept a number of them now are working on competing projects for Community and Charities as Substitutes for the hazing and drinking to prove you are welcomed as a Brother or Sister.

They still Party but on a far higher level and develop relationships a lifetime and proud to be part of something special that helps more then themselves and brings pride and joy with University Support.

Just like the Penn State Football Athletic Integrity Scandal 2012 Reforms this will should change Greek Culture at Penn State. But once again they have some serious problems that think the District Attorney Law Enforcement and University Judicial Affairs is Wrong again for so many Indictments.

There are still too many Cult Dolts worried about costing money for a defense, instead of be concern about other people's lives, if you read BWI, and Comments under Newspapers Articles.

The Penn State Culture need evolutionary change, but going to take years to overcome. But a lesson for Universities where we all agree can happen anywhere if changes don't happen.

Excerpt Important For All:
The Videos Are Astounding As Well:
At Penn State, critics claim, there's no handle on hazing


By Sara Ganim, CNN

Updated 9:22 PM ET, Mon May 8, 2017
..............Penn State is just now exiting the tunnel of one of the darkest university scandals in history -- the conviction of assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky for molesting young boys for decades, and three school officials for failing to report his crimes. The news hit the university hard, and critics accused school administrators of having a culture of silence. Penn State, after former President Graham Spanier was convicted of one misdemeanor charge, endangering the welfare of a child, in the Sandusky case, said, "... while we cannot undo the past, we have rededicated ourselves and our university to act always with the highest integrity, in affirming the shared values of our community."........Penn State told CNN that the university is aware of 170 chapter conduct cases since the spring of 2015. "Wherever appropriate the University separately pursues student misconduct proceedings involving individuals." According to the North-American Interfraternity Conference, Penn State has used a private security company to assist in monitoring fraternity social activities for the past several years.
LINK To Video:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
 
Last edited:
From the 04/05/2017 edition of The Pitt News:
Editorial: Stricter Greek regulations combat dangerous drinking culture
LINK
Excerpt:
Pitt has similar regulations in place in its Greek system to prevent the pervasive binge drinking culture of college campuses from playing out in Greek organizations. Pitt instituted new regulations in 2015 banning students without at least 12 credits and a 2.5 minimum GPA from rushing fraternities and sororities to deter first-year students from going Greek before they adjust to college life.......
Greeks opposing the regulations at PSU held a silent protest on campus Thursday where they held up signs saying “Make Greek Life Great Again.” Many also took to Twitter to voice their frustrations with the new regulations, calling them “ridiculous” and claiming the university’s Greek life system is “dying” — an especially callous remark in the wake of actual deaths at the University. And some even accused the University of enacting the sanctions to “avoid negative publicity” — although it seems introducing the regulations sparked more attention than doing little would have.........“Kill Hypocrisy, Not Greek Life.” In the letter, Rolan urged the university to roll back the new regulations and recognize that all of Greek life on campus can’t be blamed for one fraternity’s accident — analoging the situation to the NCAA’s sanctions after the 2011 Jerry Sandusky scandal.................He and the students are right that the university can’t blame every student in a Greek organization for Piazza’s death. But what the Greeks at Penn State don’t understand is how Greek life perpetuates, allows and encourages the kind of behavior that led to Piazza’s death. By not taking the sanctions seriously, students are providing even more justification that backs up the University’s need to take measures to change the Greek climate......
.....If they can’t, the university should be ready to give — and the students ready to face — even harsher consequences..... .PSU is completely in the right to impose its restrictions, and it probably should have done so earlier and more severely. But now it is up to the students to learn the lesson they’ve failed to pick up over the years and prioritize health and safety over partying, drinking and having fun.

http://pittnews.com/article/118586/opinions/stricter-greek-regulations-combat-drinking/

Once again, as in History of Higher Education in Pennsylvania, the Bigger Brother The University of Pittsburgh is having to lecture and teach it's Little Brother Pennsylvania State University. How to put the University, People, and Compliance First before Wins, Drinks, and Silence!

Pitt and Penn as Big Brothers together from 1700s, knew how to keeping Academic Excellence with Mature Adult Values far sooner before the Little Brother began as Pennsylvania Farmer High School in 1861. Penn and Pitt taught how to follow to Win National Championships with Athletic Integrity as well. The same for Temple and Villanova in Basketball.

Pitt, CMU, Penn, and Temple, has to guide and shame Penn State University how to learn from its mistakes, remove arrogance among its student body, and to reject the attitude and beliefs that help caused great scandal of Penn State Football Program by Spanier, Paterno, Curley, Schultz, and Sandusky.

As well as, now the Penn State University once again is tearing down The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reputation with another label of Pennsylvania being a Piranha Nationally and Globally and nothing close to being "Unrivaled Except In Scandal And Shame!"

This is just going to strike even more with Penn State to lower its admissions again and attract even more lower students that think Drinking before Games and Winning without regard to Human Decency is something not to be proud of and about time.

Normally if this was a one or two time thing, but Penn State knew about the problems for years again and did little to nothing again.

Our PSU's Little Brother still needs more time mature into true University with values and not full of callow fellows! Time to Honor Sara Ganim with a Statue along with Victims whose pain has to change the Penn State Culture of Shame and Scandal.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PeetWeet1
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
Gee, how about this line......sounds vaguely familiar:

"And that a Penn State employee -- a resident assistant -- knew about it, but didn't report it."

And then there is this.

"In one case, a member of the fraternity documented the hazing and reported it to the school, but he says he was ignored."
 
And of course there is this...

"The grand jury report said conduct in a "permissive atmosphere fostered by the Pennsylvania State University Interfraternity Council" led to Piazza's death. It goes on to say that the "grand jury has chosen to develop a full report concerning the conduct of the Pennsylvania State University Interfraternity Council and, perhaps, the conduct of the university itself."

Shouldn't Penn State's mascot be changed from the Nittany Lion to "Grand Jury"?
 
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html

Wow you should see Eric baron on the today show ... completely shrugged off all responsibility. Said all students do this and if they looked into every frat then all frats would be closed so they can't do that. The gut was a tool... so perfect for ped state
 
  • Like
Reactions: President Stache
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
The normal (defensive) response is that "This kind of stuff happens everywhere, so why is UPS being picked-on?"

But for whatever reason, these incidents always seem to happen more often in State College, PA. I blame it on their insular view of the collegiate world. They live in their own cocoon, and they have this "us-against-the-world" mentality, and that their way is the right way. It's "groupthink" at its worst.

They're WVU, but with better SAT scores. Just as WVU wears their hillbilly image as a badge of "honor", the Nits (at least many of 'em) wear their "WE ARE (and you're not!)" image as their badge of honor. If the children in The Lord of the Flies grew-up and went to college, they'd go to UPS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HOF Coach
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html

Ganin a true investigative journalist. Compare with the coverage from cheerleaders at the Post Gazette. I'm sure Bill Shackner will soon run another feature on the Creamery to make everyone forget about this.

Not coincidence that this is so very similar to the whole Sandusky affair. PSU turning a blind eye when reports were out there. This new president is a perfect fit for them. Total a--hole who refuses to accept any blame and just wants to appease the cultists.
 
The culture up there has not changed a bit. It is still this pathetic, insular place where they are brainwashed that they are better, that they are essentially above the laws, and it is a secret society where the outside world need not see inside the curtains. It is a cult. And I cannot believe someone really doesn't come in and take that whole place down. Well we know it wouldn't be the Post Gazette.

It just amazes me how they can continue to fly their flags and have that WE ARE attitude without any humility. Completely tone deaf and lack of self awareness.
 
this doesn't happen everywhere.. yeah, college kids drink too much but they don't get ignored for 12 hours, they don't get punched in the stomach when they are passed out by their pledge brothers, they don't get jumped on or slapped while they are passed out. I've been to college, was friends with the most immature, idiotic collection of people you could imagine and none of this would ever happen.

This doesn't happen everywhere. kids don't fall down steps, bleed from the face and get ignored or dismissed by 15+ college aged, ADULT Aged students who are smart enough to attend college. let me repeat once again, this doesn't happen everywhere.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CaptainSidneyReilly
I tread lightly and with respect knowing that the previous lengthy thread about this was deleted, but I thought this article (authored by Sara Ganim incidentally) is must reading about the culture surrounding fraternities. I can only hope the kind of behavior described doesn't exist at Pitt. If it does, something needs to be done NOW.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/us/penn-state-fraternities-hazing-alcohol/index.html
Being a HUGE supporter of frats and sororities I can definitely say the behavior of the Greek system at a U is specific to that U. And yes it does go on but my guess is its more controlled than at Nitter U.
Hazing talks place at most frats and soritities and is under control at most U's unless there's a culture of abuse which exists at Nitter U.
Lots of my ex Frat brothers and friends Soroity sisters are on advisory committees working with the frats and sororities making sure they follow the National Frat guidelines regarding hell weeks etc. Each Frat is supposed to have a group of officers who are to monitor this stuff and if things go wrong they can be prosecuted. Each U has a Dean with a staff who works /monitors the Frats and Soroities including making surprise visits and spot checks of key pledge activities.
We know lots of kids who go to Nitter U, the Greek system is a big deal there, and its out of control. There's always the exception that makes an organization or group look terrible
 
Being a HUGE supporter of frats and sororities I can definitely say the behavior of the Greek system at a U is specific to that U. And yes it does go on but my guess is its more controlled than at Nitter U.
Hazing talks place at most frats and soritities and is under control at most U's unless there's a culture of abuse which exists at Nitter U.
Lots of my ex Frat brothers and friends Soroity sisters are on advisory committees working with the frats and sororities making sure they follow the National Frat guidelines regarding hell weeks etc. Each Frat is supposed to have a group of officers who are to monitor this stuff and if things go wrong they can be prosecuted. Each U has a Dean with a staff who works /monitors the Frats and Soroities including making surprise visits and spot checks of key pledge activities.
We know lots of kids who go to Nitter U, the Greek system is a big deal there, and its out of control. There's always the exception that makes an organization or group look terrible

Well the fact is, this house was sanctioned twice before in the past 5 years, right? And others have been up there and even shut down. Yet it continues. And irony of ironies, you have the trainer of the football team as their live in "advisor"? You can't make this stuff up. You can't.

Nothing has changed at Penn State. NOTHING. Add to this the fact that they elected JayPa to the BOT? I mean, wow.
 
Well the fact is, this house was sanctioned twice before in the past 5 years, right? And others have been up there and even shut down. Yet it continues. And irony of ironies, you have the trainer of the football team as their live in "advisor"? You can't make this stuff up. You can't.

Nothing has changed at Penn State. NOTHING. Add to this the fact that they elected JayPa to the BOT? I mean, wow.
The live in advisor, the ex frat and sorority oversight committee members, and the U plus the Dean at the U responsible for frats have to take things seriously.

Today if my ex frat was sanctioned twice the University and the National Organization would have shut idown that chapter.
 
Why did Ganim never look into the Second Mile, a candy store for fat-cat donor pedophiles of Pennsylvania? Who was she protecting? Sure, the PSU football program did not do all they should have or could have, but what prevented her from tearing the lid off the Second Mile? It was run by a child psychiatrist for Gods sake, and he's has never been held accountable. If a team of child psychiatrists turned a blind eye to Sandusky and his cronies, that is a huge story that some journalist should be licking their chops to tell.
 
I can honestly say I never seen this happen at my frat. It was an organization that tried to ,make it's members better people. Did kids go off house and party and we had to go pick them up... sure... plenty of undecided majors out there that can do that kinda thing. Anyways, it doesnt happen everywhere, most frats are supportive groups, in psu you read about drugs, alcohol, homo-centric themes, and so many other things happen, and I guess that is what you get when you try to cram every possible student that can pay into a small town.
I watched the President of psu on the today show too, it was disturbing at best, even Matt Lauer alluded to this after the interview. Not sure how you can dismiss this thing as just college play... it IS college play at psu because they allow it, they build a school around worshipping a football team and paying money to support that team. It's a joke of a school really, I can say that confidently after watching their president speak on national tv.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Parkview57
Again you hear, this happens everywhere. But just 2 short years ago Penn State had an issue with another frat. This one was passing out pics of nude passed out girls from there parties. Those women had no clue images of them were being shared on a secret password protected website. At some point you really do have to question the culture and mindset of the Greek community. They really must believe they can do, and get away with anything. That does not happen overnight.
 
Well the fact is, this house was sanctioned twice before in the past 5 years, right? And others have been up there and even shut down. Yet it continues. And irony of ironies, you have the trainer of the football team as their live in "advisor"? You can't make this stuff up. You can't.

Nothing has changed at Penn State. NOTHING. Add to this the fact that they elected JayPa to the BOT? I mean, wow.
They learned that the mistake was giving in. Had they fought the charges, they believe the sanctions never would have happened and JoePa's statue would be standing. Sadly, they aren't necessarily wrong.

And no, frats everywhere don't force pledges to chug vodka or do push ups in their own puke.

They also call for help if someone has a massive head injury.

One takeaway - NEVER ban alcohol in a fraternity! This inevitably leads to a culture of secrecy and the mass consumption of hard liquor as Beer is more difficult to conceal.
 
Why did Ganim never look into the Second Mile, a candy store for fat-cat donor pedophiles of Pennsylvania? Who was she protecting? Sure, the PSU football program did not do all they should have or could have, but what prevented her from tearing the lid off the Second Mile? It was run by a child psychiatrist for Gods sake, and he's has never been held accountable. If a team of child psychiatrists turned a blind eye to Sandusky and his cronies, that is a huge story that some journalist should be licking their chops to tell.

Well she isn't the only journalist, right? Maybe that story was "Gricar'd" if you know what I mean.
 
They learned that the mistake was giving in. Had they fought the charges, they believe the sanctions never would have happened and JoePa's statue would be standing. Sadly, they aren't necessarily wrong.

And no, frats everywhere don't force pledges to chug vodka or do push ups in their own puke.

They also call for help if someone has a massive head injury.

One takeaway - NEVER ban alcohol in a fraternity! This inevitably leads to a culture of secrecy and the mass consumption of hard liquor as Beer is more difficult to conceal.

I know what you are saying in that last line. Same with the drinking age. I guess there is some sort of amnesty rule in place if you contact authorities to get help for someone in trouble. But who knows this?
 
I was in a fraternity at Pitt. It was going on 25 years now however (sigh). But while drinking certainly did occur at parties, and some goofball antics did occur during pledging, it was incredibly benign in comparison to what I read of this account.

The only thing I can remotely compare it to was a party that was held one night. One guest (not a member or pledge) stumbled on the steps (he wasn't even sloppy drunk... just kinda clumsy!). Hurt his ankle. I can tell you that no less than 5 members got engaged to help immediately, literally picked him up and took him to a couch, and 2 guys then accompanied him to presby to get his ankle checked (just a mild sprain). He wasn't in great pain and certainly not life in peril. As mentioned he was not even a brother or pledge either. Yet nobody thought this was particularly out of the ordinary response. Just what you do. Contrast to what we read in the account of this situation... yikes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HOF Coach
I was in a fraternity at Pitt. It was going on 25 years now however (sigh). But while drinking certainly did occur at parties, and some goofball antics did occur during pledging, it was incredibly benign in comparison to what I read of this account.

The only thing I can remotely compare it to was a party that was held one night. One guest (not a member or pledge) stumbled on the steps (he wasn't even sloppy drunk... just kinda clumsy!). Hurt his ankle. I can tell you that no less than 5 members got engaged to help immediately, literally picked him up and took him to a couch, and 2 guys then accompanied him to presby to get his ankle checked (just a mild sprain). He wasn't in great pain and certainly not life in peril. As mentioned he was not even a brother or pledge either. Yet nobody thought this was particularly out of the ordinary response. Just what you do. Contrast to what we read in the account of this situation... yikes.

read this account of these sickos.

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/ed...zza-pledge-Beta-Theta-Pi/stories/201705100182
 
I heard the interview this morning and it was a failure from the fraternity standpoint and PSU. PSU attempted to get in front by having the President sit down for a interview and it could not have gone any worse he kept reciting the same crap that this occurs at all colleges and PSU did everything they could and they took the dramatic step by shutting the fraternity down. The end result will be PSU & the Fraternity will be paying the family a boat of load of money.
 
Jesus Christ. That is horrible. I would like to think if I was there, I don't care what anyone else said, I would have gotten him help. I can't believe how callous and cold they were. "Brothers" my ass. Each one of them should be in a cell with a Sandusky.
Much of the outcome of this tragic event was due to the lack of character of the people who failed to call 911 to get this kid help.
When people are in trouble you GET HELP! Period, simple, thought process!!!!
It doesn't matter where this happened if it involved the same people they probably would have reacted the same way.
Pledges aren't brothers of the frat until they complete the pledge requirements which doesn't include death.
It appears that character issues are a common problem at Nitter U.

How Much Money has Nitter U Cost PA Taxpayers With Things Like The Sandusky Event and This! I believe a kid was killed a year or so ago due to an alcohol related fall in the dorms and another prior to that due to alcohol in a dorm too????

When does the State begin sanctions on Nitter U??? This stuff keeps showing up!
Last
 
Last edited:
Ganin a true investigative journalist. Compare with the coverage from cheerleaders at the Post Gazette. I'm sure Bill Shackner will soon run another feature on the Creamery to make everyone forget about this.

Not coincidence that this is so very similar to the whole Sandusky affair. PSU turning a blind eye when reports were out there. This new president is a perfect fit for them. Total a--hole who refuses to accept any blame and just wants to appease the cultists.


If you believe Ganim, you have a problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: step.eng69
This is like lots of things that happen and it will cast a shadow on frats and sororities who both follow the same model for the pledge process and for 99% of the pledge classes nothing goes wrong.


IMO this comes down to bad character.
 
These idiots were more concerned about getting in trouble for the booze, given they were a "dry" fraternity, than they were of getting medical attention for Piazza. Them slapping him, pouring alcohol on him, etc to try to get him to "snap out of it" is beyond disgusting. They deserve whatever punishment gets laid down on them.

Some of my good friends from my hometown were in Beta at Penn State. They said their hell week was more of physical / psychological torture (mainly not sleeping) than it was being force fed alcohol. If you wanted to get hammered, certainly you'd be able to, but by none of their accounts were they forced to.

Sad stuff.
 
Gee, how about this line......sounds vaguely familiar:

"And that a Penn State employee -- a resident assistant -- knew about it, but didn't report it."

And then there is this.

"In one case, a member of the fraternity documented the hazing and reported it to the school, but he says he was ignored."
How bout this deja vu paragraph. Was Penn State complicit in ENABLING A CULTURE WHERE THERE WAS NO ACCOUNTABILITY?

After what they endured with the Sandusky enabling, this stuff goes on under their arrogant noses with at least partial knowledge and their response is "it happens everywhere".
 
you know there is zero chance any of these guys spends one day in jail. sympathetic judge is going to see a bunch of 20 - 21 year olds, feel bad and give them probation and community service. they'll have to go to a couple high schools and speak about the dangers of underage drinking and it will be over.
 
you know there is zero chance any of these guys spends one day in jail. sympathetic judge is going to see a bunch of 20 - 21 year olds, feel bad and give them probation and community service. they'll have to go to a couple high schools and speak about the dangers of underage drinking and it will be over.

True, seems anymore that getting convictions is harder and harder. Everyone has an excuse and soft judges are buying it.
 
Normally, if this had been a one time thing or even two, but reading how this happen more than a few times at Penn State.

As well as, Penn State tried to advise and ask Frats to comply with new regulations and there was still arrogance and attitudes don't tell us what to do, just like Paterno Football Program.

This is the result when Penn State refused to put them in their place, and many lives will be ruined, and one family mourning forever.

Now its too late again, and Another Benefit In Hindsight Excuse after years of warning and ignoring!


Sara Ganim and Louis Freeh said Penn State Culture Needs To Change and last time it took NCAA Sanctions Monitor to put 2012 Athletic Integrity Reforms, now with the Benefit of Hindsight the Culture still remains and again shaming Penn State Name and again with dire consequences?

 
Last edited:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT