By
Brooke Wonders
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Although UA's Interfraternity Council already has anti-hazing legislation in place, it is not opposed to a more universal policy.
"Our bylaws already maintain rules against hazing," said Ken Tierney, IFC vice president of public relations. "I personally feel like we have a process (that) if hazing is discovered, (then) proper authorities would be called. It's up to the individual to press charges."
The language of the UA fraternity bylaws is similar to that of the proposed bill - shot down yesterday by the Senate Education Committee in Phoenix - which defines hazing as "any action taken or situation created intentionally... to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule."
Tierney said that although hazing is not allowed on campus, if there are any problems between specific fraternity members, they usually stay within that fraternity.
He also said that only if a member decides to contact the Interfraternity Council or the police does the issue move outside the fraternity.
If the problem becomes public knowledge, the council and the judiciary board take action.
Despite the bill's defeat, Tierney said he favors passing stronger legislation against hazing.
"If it goes statewide, it standardizes (anti-hazing processes), and that's not a bad thing. Then everyone's on an even playing field - it's a pro-active move," he said.
"We support anything to prevent hazing - that's not a part of what being Greek is about."
