Do sororities paddle?

To most sorority alumnae today, paddles represent sisterhood, pride, and tradition. Unfortunately, paddling continues to be used as a hazing tool in fraternities, and although less frequently, sororities too.

Why does Greek life do paddles?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.

How long is a sorority paddle?

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How thick is a Greek paddle?

These are the ideal dimensions: 22-3/4" inches Long, 5" inches Wide, 5/8" inches thick (22-3/4" × 5" × 5/8"). HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN PINE!

Does hazing still happen?

Indeed, hazing is not only banned by most colleges and universities but also violates laws in nearly every U.S. state, but these incidents continue to occur. A recent NBC News report noted that, from 2000 to 2021, at least 50 college students died from hazing incidents.

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What size is a Greek paddle?

Greek paddles can range in size from small key chains to 2 1/2 feet tall. In general, your paddle should be four times as long as it is wide. If your design is 4 inches wide, the paddle should be 16 inches long. The length includes the handle.

Why do sororities give out paddles?

The fraternity and sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing brotherhood or sisterhood and is given as a gift according to a local chapter's traditions. The history of the paddle, however, is rooted in violence and remains both a tool and symbol of hazing in Greek organizations.

Why are there holes in paddles?

Sometimes the paddle is modified to improve the paddler's swing or to inflict greater pain. The paddle might have holes in it,²³ allowing it to move faster and therefore hurt more.

Why do sororities exist?

Fraternities and sororities were established to further the social, scholastic and professional interests of its members. They are mainly associated with colleges and universities.

What is hazing in sororities and fraternities?

However, some engage in negative behaviors known as “hazing” – acts of humiliation or demeaning tasks meant to prove an individual's commitment and worthiness to join the fraternity or sorority. Hazing or mistreatment ranges in severity from silly pranks to violent and dangerous physical acts.

What is fraternity hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate. There are three components that define hazing: It occurs in a group context. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior.

Where did hazing come from?

Hazing has a deep history dating back to 387 B.C. with the founding of Plato's Academy. At the time, hazing was called “pennalism,” which meant “a system of mild oppression and torment practiced upon first-year students.” While Plato criticized the practice, it continued throughout the middle ages.

Do all sororities have paddles?

Although many sororities preclude the licensing of paddles with their letters, many local chapters continue the tradition of paddle-gifting by purchasing blank paddles and decorating them unofficially.

How do I not get hazed?

What are the 3 components of hazing?

The following are some examples of hazing divided into three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides some common examples of hazing traditions.

What are some examples of hazing?

Do sororities do hazing?

Though sororities are often linked to frightening stories and negative stereotypes, more college students than ever are involved in Greek life in the U.S. And while hazing is illegal in 44 states, according to a 2008 study, 73 percent of students in social fraternities and sororities reported that they experienced ...

What happens if a frat gets caught hazing?

Those who are accused of engaging in hazing behaviors may face legal actions up to and including jailtime. In addition, victims of hazing may pursue monetary damage in civil court from individuals and groups involved. The U-M Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, prohibits hazing.

How common is hazing in Greek life?

Hazing Statistics

More than 50% of college students involved in college clubs and organizations experience hazing. 74% of students involved in varsity athletics have gone through hazing, as have 73% of students involved in social fraternities and sororities and 64% of students involved in club sports.

Do frats still haze?

Hazing, as practiced in most places, is wrong. It is unethical, it is dangerous, and it is a crime in 44 states and Washington, DC. Yet 73 percent of Greeks are hazed, according to the most recent large-scale hazing study, which, granted, was published in 2008.

What's the point of hazing?

The ultimate purpose of hazing, and any form of initiation, is to bring new members into a group and develop unity in the group.

What is frat initiation like?

It's hard to say exactly what the rituals are like for every fraternity, but it does involve some form of oath-swearing to the fraternity, where every potential member is sworn to both secrecy and loyalty, as well as a final form of hazing, one that involves a more extreme version of the hazing the pledges went through ...