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A newly filed bill in Tennessee would put an end to fraternities and sororities in the Volunteer State.
The new legislation, titled HB 2042, would ban fraternities and sororities at the state’s universities and colleges. However, the bill would allow for “professional fraternities” that promote “the interests of a particular profession and honor societies.”
Under the legislation, all other fraternities and sororities, otherwise known as the “fun” ones will not be permitted to associate with any college or university. The bill is being sponsored by Rep. John DeBerry, D-Memphis, a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and the University of Memphis.
via The Tennessean:
Talk of banning fraternities and sororities has heated up in recent years as universities throughout the country have dealt with a spate of high-profile hazing incidents.
Last year the University of Tennessee placed Sigma Phi Epsilon on social probation after reports of “extreme intoxication and injury requiring medical attention” occurred at an event. In late 2016, the headquarters of Sigma Chi suspended the fraternity’s UT-Knoxville chapter after revelations of new members being “physically, mentally and emotionally harassed/hazed.”
During the 2016-17 school year, the university imposed disciplinary sanctions against fraternities for six instances of hazing.
The issues haven’t been contained to the state’s flagship campus. Last year a University of Memphis fraternity was shut down and suspended for five years for “violating the student code of rights and responsibilities.”
This is just the latest step towards the end of Greek Life as we know it.
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