The Dean of Students has suspended Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Chi for the most recent examples of the occasional violent and criminal nature of the greek system. This is not a new infection localized to the two fraternities mentioned, but a recurring symptom of a disease that pervades the entire organization.

Pi Kappa Alpha has been suspended for its involvement in multiple fights between its members and those of other fraternities. They are examples of what the greek system can be at its worst: an organized system of gangs. Fraternities harbor a gang mentality and demand respect, and when respect isn't given they lash out violently, as was shown in the incident on Oct. 28 when a Pike member assaulted a Kappa Sigma pledge.

Delta Chi was suspended two weeks ago after reports of hazing occurrences within its fraternity. It would be a terrible error to assume that only Delta Chi is guilty of hazing. Hazing is a commonplace practice in almost every social and professional fraternity on this campus, according to Ann Wolnick, Center for Student involvement and Leadership. It has been a continuing effort for both the Dean of Students and the Inter-Fraternity Council - if only a half-hearted effort by the former - to put an end to the hazing.

Unfortunately, it has proven to be nearly impossible to investigate hazing, because anyone involved in hazing is usually too intimidated to step forward. The Arizona Legislature passed a law in August that provides more stringent reporting, investigative and disciplinary responsibilities by holding university employees accountable for any knowledge or evidence of hazing.

It is encouraging to see the state legislature and the university firm up their resolve against a practice that can be demeaning, violent, abusive and sometimes lethal. However, the new law and the aforementioned resolve mean nothing if students do not step forward and report acts of hazing. If we assume that many fraternities still secretly practice hazing and that it simply goes unnoticed or ignored, then we can assume that the current fraternity enforcement policies at the University of Arizona are worthless.

The students on this campus have three organizations to turn to if they are victims of hazing. The first choices are the IFC and the Panhellenic Judicial Board, which has proven itself incapable of serving as judicial or enforcement bodies. Second choice is the University of Arizona Police Department, but very few students feel comfortable calling it because of possible illegal activities they are associated with. And last, the Dean of Students is responsible for receiving the anonymous tip of hazing activities at Delta Chi. The Dean of Students Office has the greatest responsibility for the safety and enforcements of the greek system and needs to take a more active role in investigating greek activity.

The recent activity of Pike and Delta Chi is not a situation of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch. They aren't the only ones guilty of violent and dangerous activities; they're simply the only ones that got caught. Fraternities must be legitimately supervised, and when necessary, authoritatively punished. As of yet, the UA has not found a way to do either.