Greek Hazing -- Fraternities Offer Good Things Despite Recent Sheep Incident

The recent incident involving Theta Xi Fraternity (Rick Anderson's column, Jan. 22; Times article, ``Fraternity at UW is barred from some Greek events over hazing involving sheep,'' Jan. 25), has again portrayed the Greek system in a negative light. Such conduct cannot be tolerated.

The Fraternity Executives Association, of which all fraternities at the University of Washington are members, has issued a statement of position with regard to hazing which forbids all of its members from participating in any hazing activities. I am sure that the member fraternities also have such requirements in their national by-laws.

While it would be improper to speak for Theta Xi, I can, as an officer to the National Executive Council of Phi Kappa Psi, say that hazing, in no form whatsoever, will be tolerated within our organization. Most other organizations share this viewpoint.

Fraternities offer great benefit to their community and school, as both active members and alumni can attest. Our members are numerous in business, sports, entertainment, the military and the professions. Our alumni are consistently the leading contributors to fund-raising campaigns at their respective institutions.

And our organizations offer a truly positive aspect to college life. It is important that the community is aware of the positive attributes of fraternities, not just the negative.

- James D. Boyle, Seattle

Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity