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.

What is the point of sorority paddles?

The sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing 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.

Do sororities use paddles?

New fraternity members often receive pledge names that are proudly adorned on the paddles. New sorority members are given crafted paddles from their big sisters that represent the family of their sorority.

Do bigs give Littles paddles?

Sorority paddles are gifts in Greek Life that littles give their bigs or bigs give their littles as a sign of their bond and sisterhood within the sorority. Sometimes the paddle has a theme that links the sisters – something they have in common besides the sorority. Other times they're just made to be…

Why do fraternities use 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.

Why colleges tolerate fraternities

How long is a fraternity 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.

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!

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.

When did hazing start in fraternities?

The Origins of Hazing

The term hazing regularly became used in 1684 after a student at Harvard was the first to be expelled for hitting students and having them perform acts of servitude. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, social fraternities started hazing.

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.

Are frats worth joining?

Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to meet new people and build lasting connections. Many fraternities and sororities offer academic support and leadership opportunities. Greek life requires a significant time commitment throughout the year.

What do frats do to pledges?

A pledge can expect to make early morning house calls to the fraternity house. This could be to clean up after the actives threw a party, to have meetings or to even be quizzed. The duties of a pledge include anything from cleaning the fraternity house to driving actives to and from classes.

How do I not get hazed?

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 is an elephant walk fraternity?

The email said Delta Chi fraternity participants simulated an “elephant walk,” which is described in the letter as “a form of known hazing in fraternities.” The hazing practice usually requires members to walk naked in a single-file line while holding the genitals of the person behind them.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

How long is a sorority paddle?

Fraternity Sorority Paddles 14 inch, Pack of 1 Unfinished Greek Wooden Paddle, Smooth Birch for Decorating and Painting, by Woodpeckers.

What do swim paddles do?

Paddles increase water resistance and keep a swimmer's hands in place as they pull, helping to build muscle and increase speed. Hand paddles can be used in drill work to improve technique, and are an easy way to add variety to a workout.