This week, just a few days ago, it came out in the media that Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has just been hit with another hazing lawsuit. The reported facts seem peculiar and involve a police officer, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, hazing another grown man—leaving bruises on the alleged victim and requiring him to rub the member down with lotion. This latest case should add to the chorus of people who rightfully ask: why can’t BGLOs stop the hazing? Routinely the finger is pointed at a bunch of adolescents, BGLO members between the ages of 19-23 and some alumni who help perpetuate the culture of hazing. While I don’t subscribe to the notion that kids will be kids, I do think that solely, or even largely, focusing on this age-group as the main culprits loses sight of what these organizations stand for.
At the heart of BGLOs’ identity is this notion of “leadership,” so it seems apropos to ask: where are the leaders on this issue and why can’t or haven’t they solved it? In my fraternity, whether electing chapter presidents, regional vice and assistant vice presidents, national presidents and the like, I cast my ballot for an odd reason. Beyond the rhetoric, all I’m interested in is who has a vision for boldly advancing the aims of the fraternity and a plan for execution. When it comes to the issue of hazing, I doubt most leaders have, do, or will have a sound plan of attack for the issue. That leaves me with the feeling that, in all honesty, across organizations, the chief executive leaders—either nationally, regionally, provincially, or at the district level—aren’t truly interested in tackling the problem. Maybe they believe hazing isn’t an issue and only speak to it, because a significant organizational constituency does. Maybe they believe hazing is a problem, but they are too lazy, lack any real vision, or lack the chops to work through the organization’s political dynamics to solve the problem.
Think about this: In these organizations, the leaders expect adolescents to do two things. Within the organizations, they expect, largely, college members not only to not haze but also to report hazing—to stop it when they see it or hear about it. Also, and maybe to a lesser extent, they expect college members across organizations to report hazing to prevent harm to victims and the organizations themselves. However, the leaders—the grown-ups—have often failed to do this in other contexts where there have been breaches not only in ethics but also law.
As an aside, a few years ago, Dr. Jelani Cobb—an Alpha Phi Alpha member and Professor at the University of Connecticut—wrote an article in Essence magazine about black men’s sex trips to Rio. He caught a lot of flak from black men for the article, because he let the proverbial cat out of the bag. I suspect I’ll similarly catch a lot of flak from BGLO members for what I’m about to say. It should be no surprise that wherever you have large congregations of men, prostitutes are likely to be. This point was underscored by the federal court cases US v. Murphy (2013) and Murphy v. US (2014), where a traveling prostitution ring made its way around to one BGLO fraternity’s conventions. While one fraternity was implicated, it would be naïve to think that this kind of activity doesn’t take place at all BGLO fraternity conventions. Additionally, you have cases like Alpha Kappa Alpha v. McKinzie (2013); Daley et al. v. Alpha Kappa Alpha (2010); Mason v. Alpha Phi Alpha et al. (2012); McKinzie v. Alpha Kappa Alpha (2006); Purnell et al. v. Alpha Kappa Alpha (2010); Redden v. Alpha Kappa Alpha (2006); Shackelford v. Alpha Kappa Alpha (2011); and Stark v. Zeta Phi Beta (2008). Each of these cases revolves around substantial allegations that the national presidents of these organizations embezzled organizational funds. Across each case, there were similar facts: (1) people in positions of power engaged in unethical conduct and arguably broke the law; (2) other people in positions of power were aware of the conduct and turned a blind eye; (3) those in power engaged in a practice of intra-organizational secrecy; and (4) whistleblowers were demonized, attacked, and in some instances removed from the organization. And while it’s specific leaders who were caught, it’s foolish to think that this hasn’t been a pattern of practice among some national heads of these groups, but that those other leaders entrusted with the future of the organizations refused to speak up and speak out. Similarly, to my knowledge—and I could be wrong—in each of the instances where the national presidents were found to have, arguably, embezzled organizational funds, I doubt that their co-heads (the national presidents of the other NPHC organizations, those who sit on the Council of Presidents) called them on the carpet.
BUT, the leaders, the adults, expect adolescents to do the very thing that they themselves have long been unwilling to do—to reign in, punish, and/or speak out against unlawful conduct on the part of alumni, especially those in power, that threatens to destroy our organizations.
In addition, ponder this: These organizations aren’t solely comprised of college members. If anything, alumni members predominate. And when I say alumni members, I mean smart and well-educated alumni, many of whom are deeply committed to these organizations. They serve, or could serve, as an intellectual reservoir—a primary source of intellectual capital—to solve the problems of not only the black community but also of BGLOs themselves. The leadership, however, squander this resource. The leaders claim that they want to solve the scourge of BGLO hazing and suggest that they are at their wits-end about how to do it. Either they lack and have long-lacked vision on this issue or they are and have been disingenuous.
I’m a firm believer that there are few problems that exist that don’t have a workable solution out there in the world. The key is to finding it. There is a researcher, professor, thesis, dissertation, article, book, study, practitioner, best practice…out there waiting to be discovered. The question is whether the person or people who purport to want a solution to a problem will go out and find it. The leaders of BGLOs, for the most part, haven’t wanted to find it, end of story. How do I know? I know because having studied and written about BGLOs for 10 years and having served as an expert witness and trial consultant in BGLO hazing cases (for plaintiffs and defendants), I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the people I know who are the most knowledgeable about hazing, or who have expertise in fields of study that could bear on real solutions to the issue, are NEVER consulted by BGLO leadership. Their work is never reviewed. Their best practices are never examined. And I’m not talking about some random white person hidden in a lab in Siberia. I’m talking about financially active BGLO members, who attend chapter meetings, do community service, participate at conventions, and the like.
The moratoria, the revised Membership Intake Processes, media blitzes, campaign speeches, presidential addresses, and, yes, even Phi Beta Sigma’s Anti-hazing Campaign, are shams. The efforts, if one could call them that, have limited, if any, basis in facts, data, and actual support for the speeches, admonishments, and initiatives. BGLO leaders are more concerned with whether you’re a member of their specific organization, financial, of a certain stature within their organization, black, and whether you can say the right things to make them look good and keep them happy. They cannot move beyond their own comfort zones to do the most essential aspect of their jobs—ensure the viability, vitality, and impact of their fraternity or sorority well-beyond their years. Rather, they seek to rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic, to tinker at the margins, and establish their fleeting legacies.
BGLO undergrads may engage in the lion’s share of hazing within these groups; it’s true. But the bulk of the fault for the deaths, injuries, lawsuits, rising insurance costs, and eventually end of one or more of these organizations was, is, and always will be the men and women we put in high office. It is that class of members, our leaders, who should and must be responsible for guiding us out of the darkness and into the light. But too many (not all) of them can’t see beyond their own narrow agendas, political posturing, or lack of insight and vision. And this isn’t to demonize BGLO leaders; some, maybe many, have good hearts and love their respective organization. But maybe what some have had to offer is too little, especially in the area of solving our most crucial issues, hazing being chief among them.
Excellent work and analysis, Brother Parks! I hope this resonates and inspires our leaders and general membership alike. May this move forward, from your mind & hand to the works and actions of those who can and will turn it into tangible and enduring progress.
The leaders are not the blame and never have been. It is the membership. Without being too wordy on this subject, this has been an issue since the beginning of each organization. It does not just stop. On the other hand when do you began to blame the candidate for letting someone do these things to them.
Members ignore the leaders because they expect to get away with their misbehavior. Members should hold other members accountable when they are are aware of transgressions. Hazing is not acceptable
You have provided an opening for serious reflection from and discussion. In the end discussion has to lead to action and a commitment to solve the problem. I don’t necessarily blame leadership for hazing. Each organization has an official stance against hazing. People engage in illegal or forbidden acts because they don’t think they will be caught. They think they have figured a way to beat the system. They preach “discretion” but fail to think about the obvious evidence of hazing that circumvent discretion. Members are responsible hazing because members haze. If we believe that hazing is strictly an undergrad problem, we are fooling ourselves. Hazing at the undergrad level is probably carried out by graduates and most likely nonfinancial members. The only thing, I can see leadership doing is instituting a zero tolerance policy for everybody involved. I am not sure if leadership is prepared to set that standard.
The solution to the issue of hazing in BGLOs rests with members and leaders at all echelons in the organizations. Leaders can’t be everywhere. So it up to all of us who are members of the BGLOs to police ourselves. Hazing is wrong and illegal. It can’t be tolerated in any form. It’s up to all of us to make sure it stops.
African American Greek letter organizations were founded with the express purpose of social support and uplift. We have a noble legacy with traditions of service,social responsibility, scholarship and character. Members were once chosen because they represented the best of these traits. All groups have lowered their standards for membership. Because we have reduced our expectations…we have rewarded the least capable persons membership. Hazing will continue to exist unabated. Many undergraduates, with no familial or previous social exposure to BGLO think these are “gangs”. They mock the MIP process and bully or challenge those who follow the rules…” you must be a “paper”soror or brother.Candidates with the best scholarship and character will decline membership.Persons with few professional accomplishments or resources frequently retain active graduate membership long enough to “get in line” to assume organizational leadership roles.They then operate as though these organizations are their personal businesses and bank accounts. Yes leadership matters, but leaders are elected by the membership. Membership moratorium for all undergraduates and graduates less than ten years after graduation from schools with campus chapters.Membership by persons of integrity,substance and accomplishment may better elect officers and councils with the same qualities.
We no longer look back to the founders and the reasons for starting greek organizations. Scholarship and service to the community was what I was told. However, like whites, black greek life has become purely social. I have always felt that blacks hazing other blacks (beating, branding, Humiliating) was a projection of self-hatred. I agree that rather than competing with the other BLGO’s we should join to together on a project that can have a lasting impact on black communities.-
Voter education not just registration, raising children to value education, teaching parents how to play with their children, the difference between income and wealth and how to develop wealth, college prep programs, getting black children into special schools…..
This is a very thought provoking article Bro. Parks. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 33 years, I have heard and participated in forum after forum on what we need to do. In many ways, I agree that many don’t want to totally eliminate hazing. I’ve seen many leaders allow hazing that they initiate or agree with but are quick to suspend when it wasn’t their idea. We can not be selective about what we eliminate. Even though I was made old school and may not see the harm in some things, if it’s wrong it has to be eliminated. I’ve heard many speeches from leaders who swear that if so much as an accusation crosses their desk, they will take swift action against the offenders. YouTube and the internet are packed with all the proof you need, yet nothing is done. Officials rail against brothers mimicking apes but videos show you at the show where they come out as apes, at the school where you work, and nothing is done. If we (all BGLOs) are going to put the scourge of demoralizing our fellow educated, professionals behind us we have to get serious and not selective.
We want to blame one segment of our population for hazing but there is no magic bullet solution. Are leaders to blame? Yes. Are members to blame? Yes. What about this?
1) To combat hazing, I publicly admit to fellow Black Greeks that I have evolved from the emotionally charged “hazing is necessary to build character” attitude to a more thoughtful, logical anti-hazing attitude. I even had the guts to stand up in middle of regional retreat session and admit to my past hazing sins before explaining that nothing I did made anybody an active effective brother.
2) I encourage fellow Greeks to learn the names of victims who are no longer with us. I firmly believe that one of our problems, collectively, is we have placed these victims in a mental “neutral zone” so that we don’t feel guilty about the sins of our organizations.
3) We MUST continue to call inactive members out! I believe the GOOD leaders do everything in their power to end hazing and I believe that good members, by and large, do their part. The problem is the peer pressure members get from inactive members who insist on being “advisors” who live off the fraternal grid. We NEVER attack them in these types of blogs and they can be serious problems, especially on the fraternity side.
Yes, leaders must be held accountable but let’s not penalize those who really are actually trying to fix the problems.
Dr. Parks.
Your blog is duely noted. The problem of “Hazing” was again pointed out very clearly by you once again. The politics of BGLO’s are not limited to the Divine 9. They exist in most ALL Fraternities and Soroities. Lets also not forget Sports and Marching Bands. These same politics exist in every facet of our society. All the way up to the White House. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi lets not be the judge and jury of this latest “Hazing” issue. Personally I don’t know any 45 year olds that would allow themselves to be “Hazed”. Do you? Does anyone? Not to mention a police officer willing to loose his career over it. What I do know is that in this day and age people are capable of doing most anything for a law suit settlement. Before you condem us let’s get more of the facts. As far as the leaders of the BLOG’s I have been fortunate to speak to ALL of them on a conferance call last year regarding the issue of “Hazing”. Let me tell you that it is an issue that they ALL won’t to rid. The continued existance of it will utimatlely shut ALL the doors. We will ALL become a memory. It’s commendable to Blog on this subject as it certainly resignates on our minds. Its a very serioous issue to suffer a loss of a child from a “Hazing” incident. I have also taken the time to talk to the parents of those who lost their child. Those were not easy conversations. You state that the leaders expect the undergrads or even some Grad students to take action while the leaders only involve themselves in political responsibilities. I want to ask you, who in your opinion would have the most significant power to stop “Hazing”. Our leaders sitting in an office miles from any campus or students at the campus. The fact is only students can stop “Hazing” because it is only students who “Haze”. It’s always great to blog about the problem, write some books, and even speak on it. It’s another to do whats I beleive is the key to ending hazing. RAISE THE PUBLICS AWARENESS. I have ran into countless people who have never even heard the word “Hazing”. RAISE THE PUBLICS AWARENESS and it will end. Students empowering students is the only way to stop the problem at the source. RAISE THE PUBLICS AWARENESS. Why will this work? Remember when we jumped in our car in the 70’s and early 80’s cranked it up and took off. Never thought twice about a seatbelt. Especially if you grew up in the Midwest. We ALL had to “Lean” while driving. NO MORE! The public awareness was raised and now you don’t even feel right if your seat belt is not on. Also, how about when Magic Johnson annouched he was HIV positive. Remember that? The disease was no longer a homosexual disease. The public awareness was raised and the next day condoms sold out. Simply put its not enough to contiune to point out the shortcomings of any group or organization. None are perfect. Greek organizations were founded on merit, accomplishments, achievement, social focus and contribution. I still believe in that. The problem is the few in any group that gives us all a bad name. Two weeks ago we all witnessed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon bus were a few individuals were without question out of line with that song. Is that a reflection on the whole organization. No! They have African American members. My point here could not be made clearer. A few bad apples. What we need to do is point out, call out, and stomp out the bad apples in ALL BGLO’s. Or for that matter any Greek Organization. I’m not one to just talk, I have taken action. Please join me and thousands of others in the first annual National Anti-Hazing 5k Run. Help to raise the awareness both nationally and internationally. September 27th, 2015 in Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. Chicago (Navy Pier/Grant Park), New York, (Roosevelt Island) and Miami Florida (Barry University). Lets ALL unite as ONE to end Hazing. It’s not our leaderships problem. Its ALL our problem. I encourage ALL to visit: tbs5kruns.com
We can end Hazing TOGETHER!
Dr Parks
Just curious as to why you removed my comments on your blog. I would think having someone who does not necessarily agree with you would be acceptable. This in my opinion would be an honest and open blog. It seems however that every comment you allow is in support or in your favor. I suggested a strong allicance to End and eracticate hazing with the support of HazingPrevention.org. You seem to just want to point Blame. You call it political movement with our leaders with no solution. Ameans to keep the BGLO’s profitable. You however write books for profit on the problem of Hazing and yet never a solution. I’m taking action for a solution with the support of thousands with the Anti-Hazing 5k runs. Proceeds to benefit student scholarships by actions to stop hazing. What are you truly doing to end Hazing? I ask the question, “if hazing ended tomorrow” your books would no longer sale”. Are you in this to end it or profit from it as you suggest out leaders are? I know you will take this off your blog within minutes. Its ok. I look forward to the day you and I are on a talk show.
Bro Parks – I think you make some excellent points. I will disagree with you on this point. There is plenty of blame to go around. I don’t think arguing who is MOST to blame is a productive. The BGLO leaders took the wrong approach to hazing for a long time. Much of the more recent activities are more aligned with evidence of how you managing massive organizational change.
IMO, the central issue with BGLO hazing is that a substantial percentage of members within BGLOs do not believe that hazing is morally wrong. This is a deeply held belief that does not change even in the face of disconfirming evidence.
The reality is that you will likely not change people’s minds. To get rid of hazing, the focus has to be more long-term. Each generation of brothers and sisters must come into their organizations with a slightly different (less positive) view about hazing. Over time, hazing will lose it’s linkage to BGLO identity and historical tradition. We will both be old men before the tide turns…
Graduate chapters must be involved from “smokers” to initiation. Graduate chapters must meet with undergraduate candidates regularly. Hazing must be defined at each meeting, and it must be made clear to all candidates or potential candidates, that hazing is illegal at each and every meeting. Candidates and/ or potential candidates must also sign a document each time they meet stating that either they have or have not been hazed. If candidates state that they have been hazed, the chapter must immediately be de-chartered and all members suspended. The organization itself must see to the prosecution of its members who fail to live up to its standards. Too harsh? Then stop it before it affects you, contact the graduate chapter immediately. Save your chapter and yourself. Some process can be created for those who can verify non-involvement.
As for financial corruption, transparency and regular audits must be mandatory. When a loophole is found, close it immediately.
The organizations willingness to make the hard decisions to do the right thing will show who is really responsible.
This is very funny. Not hazing, but many of us acting as if we have no idea why this is still going on. I have been an ALPHA for 32 years and I have seen the quality of young men sink. I recall when we were once examples for young men to apsire. Now I see these young men wearing familar letters and calling everybody the “N” word by second nature. The Hazing, the lack of class and overall lack of our historical improtance is absurd. We will continue to talk and write about it to no avail. So please let’s point some blame our way also. The inactives, the actives who cannot afford the expensive delegate fees.
There are so many initiatives that could put a dent into this nonsense if we really wanted to. utilize the “secret shopper” concept that served the service industry for years. I truly believe we are all creative people. Can we not ban together in an attempt to fix our organizations in addition to anything our elected officers may or may not be doing?
Dr. Parks, thank you for your continued interest and study in the area of BGLO hazing. I believe that educating undergraduate students through a constant campaign of zero tolerance would have an impact. Only the candidates for membership can decide when they’ve reached their limit during the intake process, and we know that the brains of young adults aren’t fully formed until the mid-twenties, so to expect a candidate to stand up and stop the hazing of themself or others is highly unlikely. Not when they may have come so far into the process over weeks or months, bonded with their line brothers or sisters, are suffering from exhaustion and have invested so much up to that point.
The same way colleges and universities plaster their public spaces, airwaves and social media with messages about safe sex, date rape, and diversity, BGLOs should be using these resources to educate students about the physical dangers and criminal implications of hazing.
Many young adults are looking for something to which they can dedicate themselves and feel like they belong. The fact that our beloved organizations have existed for close to or more than 100 years gives them the impression that having is based on centuries old practices, when we know our founders’ intentions for us came from a place of empowerment, education and service during s time when our people had little power. Let’s get back to basics. Honor the founders, honor the letters, teach African American students to honor and respect themselves and each other, and give them the resources to do it.
Very well thought out and presented. ALL levels of leadership are responsible. This article definitely provides for a discussion toward resolution involving all levels of leadership. Thanks for the beginning
Hello its not about blaming anyone rather what do we need to do? We to have a new National Perspective on for the Alpha brothers for our time. That perspective should be “How To Acquire and Keep Wealth”? We need to begin a National movement to help Increase and develop a stronger Economic, Wealth and Financial Literacy for African Americans or any American who needs such. The lack of Wealth and Business Ownership is the central most challenging Issue for African Americans today. If Alpha brothers were given the information, education on Wealth and Business Ownership whereas we Increased African Americans Businesses and Ownership thereby Increasing OUR WEALTH then We can and would reduce hazing and the other sins due to the lack of economic stability. I call upon you Dr. Gregory Parks and many other Alpha brother to help lead this New Economic Model of Wealth for the Alpha brothers. We can lead this because the Alphas have always lead the way for African Americans. If you have any questions please call or email me at rsteele@mediationworlds.com http://www.wealththinktank.org 817 729 0543, Dr. Steele
Brothers, et al. I agree that leadership is to blame… but: this isnt just a BGLO issue. First some of the more challenging fraternities like TKE, Theta Chi, and KA also face these challenges. Most importantly, men seek crucibles. Leaders have to create challenges of mind and body to assist in a transformation. We kid ourselves when we believe Alpha Phi Alpha association alone binds our members. I am a former Airborne Ranger and the duration and challenges at Zeta Gamma chapter prepared me for much life has thrown at me. As a 41 year member and 35 year Soldier I have been able to witness the difference between brothers or Soldiers who dont have a holistic development process. While i think I would be the same committed member i am today, I know my intellectual, physical and psychological development owes much to the APA crucible. Yes, its leadership but of a process reflective of what is transformative and legal.