In the spring of 2005, 14 members of the Delta Chi fraternity were either expelled or suspended for an alleged hazing incident involving fall 2004 pledges.

Nine of those members were charged with violating Eastern’s policy on hazing, and another five were charged with either threatening or harassing a student.

As a result, the chapter closed down January 2005.

To avoid such incidents, Eastern is holding its third annual Halt Hazing Education Week this week.

The university will introduce an anti-hazing hotline to leaders of student organizations.

“The Hazing Hotline was developed by 20 international fraternities and sororities, with 7 of those organizations hosting a local chapter on our campus,” said Kara Shively, vice president of the Panhellenic Council’s membership development. “The hotline is a service for students across the nation to report issues of hazing and to gain support in how to address the problem.”

The events and information this week will help students avoid hazing and handle any hazing situations that may occur.

Eastern’s hazing policy defines hazing as anything resulting in mental or physical harassment, or abuse of an organization’s member(s) or prospective member(s).

Bob Dudolski, director of Greek Life, said the key to preventing hazing is to “constantly educate on the proper ways to introduce a person into an organization.”

Kate Geyer, senior sociology major and member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, said she believes the educational week is good because many people may not know what the effects of hazing are. She said most new members interpret hazing as what they see on TV and in the movies.

No hazing has been reported to Judiciary Affairs since the fall semester began, and Dudolski said he has not received reports of hazing for several years.

Dudolski credits the quiet last few years to heightened awareness around campus.

“It’s a universal problem that does not only affect Greek Life,” Dudolski said.

Shively said that because hazing affects more than just the Greek community, the organizations will try to raise awareness among all students.

“Our efforts are not only to educate Greek students about the negative effects of hazing, but to raise awareness to all students, faculty and administrators that hazing is a dangerous activity that negatively affects individuals and organizations,” she said.

Organizations across Eastern are taking up arms in the fight to prevent and stop hazing. Dudolski said resources to host the Halt Hazing Education Week were given by the National Pan-Hellenic, Panhellenic and the Interfraternity councils.

Materials also come from Campus Speak, a national organization that provides speakers and programs to colleges.

A large chunk is a “is a local effort, though,” Dodulski said.

Individual fraternities are taking an active role in helping to stop hazing.

Michael Nowark, senior sociology major and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said all new members must attend the Thursday evening presentation, in which Kolman will explain the dangers of hazing through his own personal experiences.

Along with the Halt Hazing Educational Week, an anti-hazing hotline is being publicized on campus.

The 1-888-NOT-HAZE hotline is available to everyone.

“It’s a good thing because (new members) might be afraid,” Geyer said. “It definitely gives them a chance to (seek help) without going to someone in their fraternity or sorority.”

Fact Box: When someone calls the hotline

* CALL 1-888-NOT-HAZE

* Callers are forwarded to a hotline connected to a Cincinnati, Ohio-based law firm called Manley Burke. It monitors the hotline daily.

* Callers will be asked to provide the name of the organization involved, the school where the incident took place and a description of the activity or threat. Contact information is requested, but caller can choose to remain anonymous.

* Reports are sent to the national organization the claim concerns and are addressed the following business day. Appropriate information is sent regarding hazing laws in each state.

* Immediately contact police if anyone is in danger.

Events during Halt Hazing Education Week

Monday: Buttons against hazing will be given

Tuesday: Members of Panhellenic Council & Interfraternity Council will sit at a table by the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Food Court to pass out candy, provide facts about hazing and encourage students to sign a banner against hazing.

Wednesday: Greek Members will participate in Lambda Alpha Delta’s Dirty Dodgeball Philanthropy.

Thursday: Greek Life and the Athletic Department will host a Halt Hazing Luncheon for chapter presidents, chapter advisers, student-athletes, coaches and university administrators.

Thursday evening 7:30 p.m.: Alumnus Kevin Kolman will give a presentation to new members of fraternities/sororities and student athletes about the dangers of hazing.