Texas Fraternity Ordered to Pay $16.2 Million to Parents of Dead Pledge

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wtf the people need to just accept responsibility for there actions and what they did was drink waaay to much and got alcohol poisoning there for they died they had the chocie to say no ive drank to much but no they continuie to drink
so i think fraternities are not the problem, i think its the fault of dumb kids who want to fit in so bad for sum reason tht they do retarded things.....thnk you :]......ceices!!!!!

jimmy jak of AZ 3:28PM December 12, 2008

It really is a shame that these things still go on, but really, people learn to say no to obviously stupid activities. I am in a fraternity, and made it through pledgeship without ever coming close to being hazed, or doing things on this level of immaturity. I feel sorry for the parents, and for the members of the fraternity, but these things really need to stop.

Jason of LA 5:33PM December 05, 2008

First, I am sorry for the parents' loss. How awful to lose a child, no matter what the circumstances.
I am a second generation member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and there have been numerous family members who have also been members of fraternities and sororities. All of us have had nothing but positive experiences as a result of our collegiate Greek affiliations.
While tragedies such as what happened to the young man at the University of Texas will always find their way into the media, the flip side of the argument is why doesn't the media cover the numerous POSITIVE things that fraternities and sororities do on their campuses and in their communities?
For example: my ATO chapter at Sam Houston State University has undertaken an annual observance at Sam Houston's gravesite in Huntsville, TX where the United States and Texas flags are replaced annually. This ceremony brings out local, regional and state civic and government representatives, as well as university officials. The chapter also works closely with the local radio station (KSAM-AM/FM) on various charitable events and community service projects.
Unfortunately, there will always be persons in any organization who will cause problems for the others who behave responsibly. But if the media would seek out the GOOD THINGS that fraternities and sororities are doing for their organizations, their schools and their communities then it would help buffer the negative new whenever it happens which - fortunately - is not too often.

Robert C. Hurst of TX 1:33PM December 03, 2008

This is a tragedy. Fraternities can proclaim their values up and down campus and accross the country but they still have to live them. As a Greek alum myself I know there are multiple occasions where you are EXPECTED to drink, and to do it quite heavily. But not once was I forced to drink or do anything that I did not want to do. Things might be different in Texas, but I imagine they aren't that different accross the country. Individuals are still responsible for their own actions and need to use common sense and good judgement in all of their activities. Know when you've had enough and call it a night.

Karl of ID 4:42PM October 28, 2008

I attended colleges with and without Greeks. I was a Greek. "Put Greeks in context" has no idea of which he writes. A school without Greeks can function just fine. I would find it hard to beleive that there are fewer graduates from Rice University than Tulane University with less "real leadership and management experience," on a percentage basis. I'm sure the opposite is true. The comments about alumni affection and donations is another mistatement.
Hazing is a totally different issue. Greeks can get along without it just fine as well.

PJ of NC of NC 2:41PM October 28, 2008

Thats the end of it. And someone's death due to the irresponsibility of others is not "no reason". Since when do "true gentleman" let their pledges die after pumping them with half a gallon of jack( or whatever it was) and trust that they will be able to look out for themselves when they can't see straight!? Thats just foolish, too many logical conflicts to count.This frat messed up and deserve what they've got.

Decapoe of NC 12:00AM October 28, 2008

I believe that the University of Texas has just proved itself to be unjust and very racially biased. This incident not only occurred due to ignorant actives of the fraternity, it happened during a pledge event. I have followed up with this story and with everything that has been reported, this was a fraternity pledge event that also included alcohol.
The reason why I say that the UT system is flawed and racially biased is because a similar incident happened ON THE SAME CAMPUS, the same year, but to an Asian American Interest Fraternity. I feel for the brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon because this incident will affect everyone's lives from pledges to actives to the parents and the community. However, we have to admit it was a very irresponsible event that happened. The fact that SAE can stay on campus is great for them, but I see the system to be flawed and contradictory.
I am definitely feeling for both the family AND the members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In no way am I saying this to offend either one. I am just making an obvious inconsistency and racial boundaries that still exist in our society today.

DT of CA 7:04PM October 27, 2008

Hmmmm.... Maybe I am a "loser" and a "hater", but frats are now and have always been out of control. However, I must point out that Chuck of TX clearly is in a frat for "scholarship, brotherhood, and community service." Having the fact that I am a "loser" and a "crybaby" that is "hating" on fraternities clearly points this out.

Scott Bruggeman of CA 1:42PM October 27, 2008

Hmmmm.... Maybe I am a "loser" and a "hater", but frats are now and have always been out of countrol. However, I must point out that Chuck of TX clearly is in a frat for "scholarship, brotherhood, and community service." Having the fact that I am a "loser" and a "crybaby" that is "hating" on fraternities clearly points this out.

Scott Bruggeman of CA 1:42PM October 27, 2008

Is this article really the place to sling mud at "spoiled" fraternity people or "loserly" unaffiliated people? No. This was a tragedy, and the organization that perpetuated it is paying for it, as it should. Two parents - who probably supported their child's decision to go greek - lost that child. this isn't about greeks versus non-greeks. This is about that tragedy.

Jacob Boyer of VA 1:26PM October 27, 2008