A state representative is speaking up about the banning of a UT fraternity where a student died of alcohol poisoning:
A Houston lawmaker is urging University of Texas officials to reconsider last week's decision to ban an Asian American-interest fraternity whose members were involved in hazing the night freshman member Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath drank himself to death.
Rep. Hubert Vo wrote UT President Larry Faulkner last week that the university should consider alternative punishments such as probation, community service or alcohol abuse training for the members of Lambda Phi Epsilon, rather than canceling the registration of the entire group.
Group punishment, Vo said, is unfair and could send the wrong message to the Asian community by destroying an important social and support network for Asian students, many of whom are children of immigrants and first-generation college students.
Sorry Hubert, but UT’s tradition of disciplining wayward frats (and I realize Lambda Phi Epsilon isn’t an official "Greek" organization) goes far beyond your pesky concerns.
In 1986, Phi Kappa Psi pledge Mark Seeberger dies after consuming 20 oz. of rum in two hours during “a ride” where pledges are gotten drunk and dropped off to find their way home. Phi Kappa Psi was banned from UT for 4 years (which was a great relief to me, as it provided an easy out for when I informed my grandfather I wouldn’t be joining as his legacy).
Delta Tau Delta and Phi Gamma Delta (“Fiji”) were both suspended for a year following incidents during the 1990 Round-Up, displaying racial epithets on the Delta’s parade car, and a Fiji t-shirt that featured Sambo’s head on Michael Jordan’s body. Both fraternities were suspended for a year.
And these were just the incidents I remember from when I was there (a recent list can be found here). There was also the upper classman who got chased off Mt. Bonnell by some pledges. But if I remember it right, the fraternity in question claimed it wasn’t hazing because the pledges didn’t actually die. Or something. I didn’t get out much.
My reminiscences aside, I understand Vo’s need to speak up for his constituency, but I doubt he pursues this beyond a letter and a public statement. The events sound pretty clear cut.
Then there’s this:
"This is not about Asians or black or brown or white," he said. "This is about education and cutting off these resources from all the students. It's a big blow for all the students who might have to look for some alternative ways to complete their college degrees."
Not about Asians? So reporter Lisa Falkenberg is misremembering you here. I guess:
But Vo, a Democrat who emigrated from Vietnam about 30 years ago, said UT's decision may discourage Asian students who need all the resources they can get while pursuing their education. "Cutting off a fraternity like this means cutting off the support network for the students," Vo said.
For many Asian students, Vo said, fraternities provide moral support, educational guidance and career advice that parents may not be able to give. He said they also offer vital networking opportunities for minority groups who need a leg up in today's competitive job market.
As mentioned in the article, there’s more than one Asian-American fraternity at UT. If you need such a vital "networking" resource, and are unable to use the University’s own career center or speak with faculty, that is. Unfortunately, the most prominent one (Alpha Kappa Delta Phi) has been suspended through spring of 2006 for – you guessed it – hazing.
As I said before, I wouldn’t expect much beyond lip service from Vo. These guys screwed up, a kid got killed, and they’re paying for it. My sympathy for the organization is limited, considering the fact that this is just the latest in a long and seemingly unending string of shit from these organizations.
Nothing promotes racially exclusive "networking" quite like a binge drinking fatality.
Condelences to the family of the dead guy. But shame of Vo, or anyone else, that tries to play the race card in an attempt to mitigate the fate of the frat.
Good to have you back.
Serious question: Are y'all Texas fans just licking your chops at +7/8? Because, to me it looks like money in the bank.
Betting on the Texans game this week is madness. Both teams have an interest in losing so as to improve their draft position/access to Reggie Bush. Though neither team will ever admit they plan to sandbag, one - or both - might, at least on some level.
Both teams have played so poorly this year, how would you know if they are sandbagging? If Carr's shoes are on the wrong feet and his laces are tied together?
I had no idea the Texans actually had fans. I just assumed y'all were all wearing powder blue and sulking in the basement.
Jax, Carr isn't bad quarterback (though I'm unconvinced he is a great one). But with a terrible defense and offensive line, he has been unable to perform up to his potential. Dom. Davis and Andre Johnson haven't been healthy for 16 full games, and there are simply no other playmakers stepping up to take the pressure off Carr's shoulders.
I firmly believe that Coach Capers has mismanaged his recent draft day strategies, which is why there is a decent chance the Texans would actually like to lose this last, meaningless game.
Pete,
Sounds like you were at UT when I was. Were you by any chance in the Royal Order of Pythons?
Has Vo spoken up over any other hazing incident involving a non Asian American student or fraternity?