A proposal to the Tennessee General Assembly to ban fraternities and sororities at universities statewide to deter hazing could affect UTM Greek Life.
According to the Tennessean, the bill, HB 2042, would only allow honor societies and professional fraternities to “promote the interests of a particular profession.” Other fraternities and sororities not associated with professionalism “shall not be recognized or permitted to associate with, or operate on the campus of, any state institution of higher education,” according to the proposal.
Rep. John DeBerry, D-Memphis, a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and the University of Memphis, sponsored the bill. A companion Senate bill, SB 2541, has been sponsored by Sen. Reginald Tate, D-Memphis and also a graduate of the University of Memphis.
All state bills must be sponsored by both legislative chambers for the bill to pass.
Rachel Stephens, assistant director of Student Life, provided a statement in response to the bill proposal.
“While the filing of the bill is concerning, there are still many steps that have to occur before it becomes law. We are aware of the current challenges in the Greek world, but also believe in the power of the fraternity/sorority experience. If the bill continues to move through the legislative process, we will continue to keep an eye on it. The Office of Student Life believes in and are proud supporters of fraternities and sororities on our campus,” Stephens said.
Recent talks of banning fraternities and sororities have sparked outrage as universities in other states dealt with high-profile hazing incidents.
In 2014, the UTM Alpha Tau Omega chapter closed permanently after the university found violations of hazing participation by members and endangering another person.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville placed Sigma Phi Epsilon on social probation last year following reports of extreme intoxication and injury that required medical attention.
In 2016, the headquarters of Sigma Chi suspended the UT Knoxville chapter following revelations of new members being “physically, mentally, and emotionally hazed.” During the 2016-17 school year, the university imposed disciplinary sanctions against fraternities for six hazing incidents.
According to Time, DeBerry said, “I’ve thought about it for quite some time. You realize that some legislation is volatile. You realize that it’s not going to be popular, and you may hold off.”
“But the continuation of assaults and hazing incidents and just bad behavior — not just in Tennessee, but all over the country — at some point in time, you have to force the argument and force the discussion,” he said.
Officials from the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National APIDA Panhellenic Association (NAPA), National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), have released a joint organizational statement in response to DeBerry’s proposal.
“One million undergraduate students and 10 million alumni have found great value through their fraternities and sororities —including tens of thousands of students at Tennessee universities, which provide opportunities for personal growth, foster local hands-on service and philanthropic contributions, and build communities of support for young men and women.
“While colleges and universities are facing critical challenges, fraternities and sororities are actively partnering with campuses to implement measures to enhance health and safety, and we invite true collaboration and dialogue with public officials as we focus on solutions.
“Rep. DeBerry’s legislation would sever the partnership between Tennessee colleges and universities and the fraternities and sororities on their campuses. It is a misguided approach that … won’t solve deeply rooted campus culture issues and would likely make them worse. Together, as interfraternal organizations, we call on Rep. DeBerry to withdraw his bill, which, if implemented, would have a chilling effect on a student’s basic constitutional rights of freedom of expression and association,” the statement read.
To monitor the progress of the bill, which is currently in committee in both chambers, go to http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2042.
