SU leadership should publicly address Zeta Beta Tau video

The Zeta Beta Tau video released by The Daily Orange on Monday night should warrant a public response from Syracuse University leadership. Yet SU has not condemned actions recorded in the video as part of a campus-wide statement.

This lack of response is concerning and unacceptable.

Four SU Greek organizations, including ZBT, have been placed under sanctions for possible Code of Student Conduct violations since the beginning of the fall 2018 semester, according to SU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.

And the exact details of what happened in some of those conduct investigations remains unknown. That ambiguity is potentially dangerous.

Here’s what is known: The Delta Tau Delta fraternity was suspended from SU in fall 2017 for code of conduct violations that included hazing. Alpha Epsilon Pi was suspended in spring 2018 for behavior that threatened the safety of a person participating in its new member process. ZBT’s disciplinary probation stems from an investigation into behavior that included ZBT members spitting into potential members’ mouths, Dean of Students Robert Hradsky confirmed to The D.O. earlier this week.

University community members should be able to rely on SU to directly and specifically inform campus of these investigations. A list of what fraternities or sororities are currently sanctioned, on FASA’s website, isn’t enough. SU leaders should prove their commitment to protecting students — that’s not possible without a clear, public channel of communication such as a campus-wide email.

The repercussions of hazing-related investigations or abusive attitudes in Greek organizations are not limited to individuals directly involved in those incidents. As the Theta Tau videos prove, the entire campus can be affected by behavior in Greek groups. Students deserve to know, more specifically, what’s happening regarding Code of Student Conduct investigations related to Greek life.

SU has failed to show, beyond a doubt, that high-ranking administrators, such as Chancellor Kent Syverud or Hradsky, are committed to change.

Holding forums and creating surveys won’t be enough. It’s imperative that SU do more to make up for the lack of public reassurance regarding these recent events at the beginning of the fall 2018 semester.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.