Fraternity, sororities and other organizations continue to use paddling as a method of initiation. Paddling is a form of physical punishment in which a person is forced to stand on one leg for extended periods of time. It can be done in a variety of ways, such as standing on the ground, sitting on a chair, or standing in front of a wall.
Do sororities still paddle pledges?
Although none of the sororities most recently accused of paddling pledges appear to be members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the continued practice of paddling as a tool of hazing and violence by other organizations affects the perception of the paddle for all sororities.
Do sororities use paddles for hazing?
I am sure that there are sorority chapters, unfortunately, that DO use paddles for hazing, etc. But, from my personal experience anyways, these are few & far between. Silver Turtle is correct. The paddle that I have was never used for anything but decoration in my residence hall room.
What can I use instead of a sorority paddle?
A viable alternative to the paddle is a commemorative wooden plaque, either in the shape of a sorority mascot or other non-paddle shape. These plaques can be decorated and given as gifts in the same way paddles currently are, but with a positive message behind the symbol instead.
Which Fraternities can’t license their paddle?
Fraternities that restrict licensing of their paddles include Alpha Gamma Rho, Chi Psi, Phi Chi Theta, Phi Kappa Tau, Pi Sigma Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Iota, Sigma Nu, Theta Xi, and Zeta Beta Tau.
Does sorority hazing still exist?
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 ...Jul 10, 2018
Why do sororities get 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 does Greek life do paddles?
The history of the paddle, however, is rooted in violence and remains both a tool and symbol of hazing in Greek organizations. Several national fraternities and sororities have decided to phase out the use and gifting of paddles and instead encourage alternative gifts not associated with hazing.
What size are sorority paddles?
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.Sep 29, 2017
How long is pledging a fraternity?
six weeksUnder Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs regulations, pledging for both fraternities and sororities is supposed to last six weeks, after which pledges must be officially initiated.Mar 2, 2007
Why do Littles give bigs paddles?
Pledges often purchase a blank wooden paddle to decorate commemorating their membership into the Greek Organization or to give as a gift to their “big brother” or “big sister” within the fraternity or sorority. To most sorority alumnae today, paddles represent sisterhood, pride, and tradition.
What are paddles used for?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. When used for paddling a boat, a paddle is a simple solid tool, flat at one end, used to propel a boat in a direction opposite its applied force. A mixing paddle is used to more thoroughly mix separate ingredients within a mixture.
Why are there holes in a paddle?
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.
How many times did Sigma Gamma Rho paddle?
The hospitalized pledge was struck with the paddle more than 200 times, leaving her with blood clots and welts. She was in so much pain that she couldn’t even sit.
Why did Alpha Kappa Alpha drown?
In 2002, two pledges from Cal State Los Angeles’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority were blindfolded, tied up, taken to the water, and eventually drowned because of the high tide. According to the Los Angeles Times, the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha tried to cover up whatever happened by taking a code of silence.
Why do some pledges go through bizarre events?
Fear of reprisal: Some pledges go through with these bizarre events because they don’t want to be rejected by the group. Also, some pledges might even feel the tasks are not that embarrassing because they’re in a group.
