On Monday, Sept. 25, the Greek Life Council’s supported Anti-Hazing Week. The Divine Nine fraternities and sororities held a “Straight Talk No Chaser” panel in the Student Union Ballroom.
The room was filled with the students as music played as people entered the ballroom. Each representative of the Divine Nine fraternity and sorority had fun among the community, showing unity for Greek life and the students of Savannah State.
Tamia Smith, member of the Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. explained the purpose of the panel.
“The meaning of the title is to basically to get straight to the point and answer questions that ‘G.D.I.’ and even people that already in Greek have and get a clear understanding that we are a non-hazing campus and that everybody on this campus needs to be acknowledged on that.”
The panel opened, providing a safe environment for attendees to listen to each representative as they shared their Greek life experiences. During the discussion, Greek members were on the hot seat about the pros and cons, what made them join a Greek organization, and give honest responses to all the questions from students.
Romero Smalls, a member and Vice Poll Marketer of the Gamma Chi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was one of the main speakers on the panel gave input on the importance of anti-hazing.
“We feel like [there is] a gateway between Greeks and few of the ‘G.D.I.’ here at Savannah State University, so we kind of want to let that gate down and explain to people that we’re all against hazing, one, and two, just make people more comfortable to approach and speak to us about joining these organizations.”
The panel made a promising start to the Greek Life Anti-Hazing week, with their discussions resulting in positive outcomes on the very first day. During the rest of the week, there were more events hosted on the Savannah State campus, beginning with Anti-Hazing Jeopardy hosted by Greek Life at Elmore Theater in King-Frazier Student Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
There will also be several other events where Greek organizations will engage with the students and community at Savannah State University.
The panel discussion successfully established a strong connection with the students, who were inspired to learn more about joining a Greek organization. The main goal of the Greek organization was to bring understanding and create awareness among the students, making a statement that Savannah State University is committed to being a non-hazing campus.
