ASU administrators have decided to expel Sigma Alpha Epsilon after a string of alcohol-related incidents this past year.
And who could blame them? After the death of Jack Culolias, could anyone blame them? After repeated warnings from the University and the demolition of Alpha Drive’s houses, could anyone blame them? After Sigma Alpha Epsilon members dropped off a fellow brother at the hospital with a blood alcohol content level that exceeded the legal limit six fold, could anyone blame them?
The situation really isn’t surprising at all. This fraternity has been reckless to the point where it has not only reached dire levels of utter disregard for the University and its policies, but it has also reached a point where regard for human life has been neglected.
It’s one thing to have a wild night downing with a couple of friends. But to be so neglectful that you just wheel your friend into the lobby of a hospital and run off, hoping for the best? People have died of alcohol poisoning with BAC levels as high as six times the legal limit. It’s shameful and embarrassing that these people could call each other brothers.
But let’s give credit where it’s due. Is this the fault of the members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon? Well, in part, yes. But the credit of being expelled certainly goes to its leaders, upperclassmen and alumni. When a company goes bankrupt, the CEO is blamed. When a country is flailing its arms in mad decay, usually the parliament or president carries the blame.
Rather than focusing energy on the members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, it is best that we scrutinize the leaders of this chapter — leaders who are perpetuating a culture that condones dangerous amounts of drinking, violent outbursts and leaving a fellow brother behind, risking serious injury or worse. Sigma Alpha Epsilon should take a good look at whom it is that sits up in the driver’s seat, and it should beg the question: “Do we really want this guy behind the wheel? Do we really want these people leading young students, impressionable yet well-intentioned men, in the same direction?”
Sigma Alpha Epsilon needs to grow up. If it plans on ever being considered a legitimate fraternity in Arizona again, it needs to change its culture, permanently. It’s going to be a tough road, but if it really decides that it wants to be relevant, cleaning house is the first step it needs to take. SAE needs to secure all new leaders for its chapter, reconsider its admission requirements and basically restructure the entire fraternity. It must be done if things like this are to be avoided in the future.
The University did the right thing to expel this fraternity. Would you give your dog a reward for biting your hand?
Send Dominic your thoughts on SAE's expulsion at dominic.valente@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @redhotdomiNATO
