Part of campus life that some students get involved with is the Greek life. However, to get into some of these greek organizations, members are sometimes forced to go through what most students call "Hell week." Whim has compiled a list of rumored rituals that members have been forced to engage in. Keep in mind that these are rumored acts and have no factual basis whatsoever.

1. Brothers are told to swim in the Radford Purification Plant water

2. Brothers are beaten, thrown into a waste bin that the very least of which has been defecated into and then they must stay there and not shower for a week

3. Brothers and sisters, driven out to the middle of nowhere, stripped of their clothing, and made to find their way back to Radford

4. Brothers must swim from one side of the New River to another

5. Brothers must engage in public sexual conduct at parties

6. Follows closely to number two, must wear a green trench coat and red bandana that have been defecated on and can't change clothes or bathe for two weeks

7. Ritualistic beating by other members

8. Get drunk, get naked, stick a piece of triangle cut cardboard in your ass and be carried around a party yelling "LAND SHARK!"

9. Various body piercings

10. Being brought into a room filled with candlelight and being asked to recite some ritual seance and then being knighted by sword as you put out candles with your hands.

Name: Chris sucks
Year: old
Major: hazing whim
Comments:
You suck Chris. Get the facts straight! You need to have a reality check. If you even remotely knew what was going on, you would not even print this.

Name: Dewey
Comments:
You forgot the one about the sheep ritual. I must say that it was my favorite. Mmmmm sheep, nothing tighter.

Name: Kid Rock
Year: 1997
Major: Kicking some ass
Comments:
Yeah Tim Dog is right! Write an article on how single mothers beat their kids after working the graveyard shift with the mexicans at Food Lion. Or write about some other group that does even dumber shit than fraternities? And to that moron who said they were once prestigious groups back in the 1800's..well #1, how the hell would you know? and #2, it's bullshit, you know they probably had their way with the ladies, times have not changed that much, I know dudes in the 60's, and 70's...they shared hazing stories with us...these are the same Yuppie, Volvo Driving, Cell Phone calling, bastards that tell us not to haze now. It's all bullshit, you just sound like someone who got kicked out...or pussed out. IT's not that hard...you want to know what is hard, or rough...trying to get a good job that you love after you graduate in college. You get smacked around more, and dicked over more than when you were in college. ANd I Have two freakin' degrees...write an article on that, and if you think Fraternities are so bad, take a look at our nations leaders, in Congress, our Supreme Court Judges..buddy of mine got an 80,000 dollar a year job, just b/c he was a Kappa Sigma...beat that! Punk ass

Name: Tim Reagan
Year: 1999
Major: CRJU and POSC
Comments:
This school never ceases to amaze me. Why don't you pillow-biters go and write some shit about another group besides Greeks? I never see you guys writing about or substantiating rumors concerning other organizations at RU. Why don't you spead some shit about GLBSU? Or a black organization? Or a feminist organization? I will tell you why, because you pussies are too damn scared to. One of these days we are going to see RU or WHIM or The Tartan go too far with fucking with the Greeks, and there is going to be a little blow back from it. I swear to God I hope I am there to see it, because I would love nothing more than to see several hundred dudes, on campus fraternity men and off campus, go wild as hell and teach you fags a lesson. Chris Holloman, and any other duoche-bag that was involved with this article, I have two things for you...First of all, I haze the shit out of people, it is fucking great, and I hope it goes on forever. Secondly, I hope that one day you have a son, and he goes to a school and pledges a fraternity that my son is in, because I will make sure that my kid whips your son's candy ass, pisses in his mouth, and sends him home crying. Bite Me, Tim

Name: Doug
Year: 2000
Major: Education
Comments:
As funny as these were I think some are blown out of proportion. But I think some have to be true. If you want better keep your ears open.

Name: Dommer
Year: 1997
Major: Masters in Education
Comments:
yeah, I have some things to say about this. Like for one, where the hell did you get this crap? Most of this has to do with off campus fraternities, being beaten, shit on, trench coats and bandannas...tha's Sigma Pi or whatever they are DTX? You totally missed all of the rituals we do. And since I left, my fraternity does not partake in any of the things we used to do...I pledged in 93, and the campus has made a 180 since those days. Also, they are not Brothers, or Sisters...they are pledges, who have the choice to say no at anytime. You can't FORCE anyone to do anything. If you want letters, go to Felix, they'll sell you some. It's all a mindgame, and pales in comparison to what the marines do, I know b/c I was hazed by marines. But if you can't do Exercises like pushups and shit, then you are a pussy period. Body piercings? No...I know these are rumors...like I said 9 out of the ten are DTX or Sigma Pi's...The rest of us are smart, and keep everything secret...Yeah the landshark is true, but whoever does it, usually gets about four chicks who want to take him home. You want torture, join the alternative alliance and have a 4 inch wide Dildo rammed up your ass, while you suck on the presidents dick...there's some fun for ya... take care buddy, and do some better research...and for those Fraternities that do this...so what? Let em', if they do something horrible, then they get in trouble...same goes for others, just ask Chi Phi and Pi Kap...if it offends people, I am sorry, but you know what...HIPPIES offend me, shower for Christs sake, water is not endangered, we don't need to save it! Peace...

Name: Ron
Year: Graduate
Major: Political Science, History, and Social Science
Comments:
I think the comments below are more entertaining than these "rumors" on hazing. Rituals are a part of greek tradition and have been so for hundreds of years. So why do we care all of a sudden? Do you think in this P-C world that what occurs now is worse than our forefathers? Please...And what if they are true...I see no postings of Greeks who hated pledging and the rituals that followed. These are cherished memories for a lifetime. If you don't like Greeks, fine...There is no rule that you have to join a fraternity, its a choice, its a free country... P.S. What Greek who looks at this can't tell you exactly which of these rumors are true, and which are false...Plus we know who is associated with each of these items listed...WHO CARES!!! P.S.S. Sorry for the guy who was pushed down the steps of a Kappa Sig party...Turn your ringer off whiner...

Name: Alpha Centauri
Comments:
Land shark?...wasn't he on Saturday Night Live?

Name: RU GRAD
Year: 1997
Major: Business
Comments:
Well I am sure that Mr. Holloman has gotten his point across, but for what. Hey who would think anyone would do such things? And if they did SO WHAT! That is up to them. I have read somethings which are quite upsetting. For one DE-TOX, beating minorities and raping women. Lets think about this, do they have little sisters ( I have seen women on wearing their letters so YES. Minorities, I have been to there parties and in the fraternity pictures have seen people of all races. So whoever is the person out there saying these things, meet the people before judging. Radford University has been a place that has long been called a party school. Ladies and Gentlemen in todays world if you cannot speak to someone and you do not posses any social skills you are at a level below the rest. So I hope everyone can look at these responses and see that everyone has their own opinion, and are able to choose there own ways. I will let you in on a secret I have seen Radford change, and not once in all my years have I seen anyone treated in any type of manner that they did not bring upon themselves. We must all realize that our actions are our own and no frat or organization can make us do anything that we did not want to. And if you beleive someone has done that to you, then my friend please re-evaluate yourself.

Name: Eric Weir
Year: 1996
Major: Mktg
Comments:
I think it's a good thing, #'s 1 and 6 definately bring back memories.

Name: Lee Norman
Year: 1993
Major: Criminal Justice
Comments:
As an alumni member of a RU fraternity, I find it unsettling that "rumored" hazing practices are continuing to be brought up. Information like the above referenced article is the very reason that fraternities and sororities continue to be bashed for their activities. While I will not defend degrading or dangerous acts, fraternity pledging was one of the best times I ever had. I never once considered the things I was asked to do as degrading, infact, I enjoyed most all of it. It has been seven years since I graduated from RU. I have since come to know many other greeks from a vast array of other colleges and universities. I have yet to find many greeks that would contradict my thoughts. I have found that many of the non-greek people I have been introduced to are the very same people who would suspect your "rumored" hazing practices take place. Instead of printing "rumored" hazing practices, how about speaking with greeks and asking them some of the "real" tasks that they may have been subjected to. I believe you might be able to dispel most of your rumors.

Year: 99
Major: Finance
Comments:
.......and the negative aspect of all this is???? It is truly a sad commentary on all the skirts that are now attending RU.

Name: Cliff harris
Year: 96
Major: rels
Comments:
kickass !!!!

Name: Phillip Blake
Year: 1996
Major: Finance
Comments:
Is that it? You guys are going to easy on the little maggots!

Name: ">Brain Silman
Year: 1996
Major: Asshole
Comments:
If these kids want to participate in a frat then so be it. Most of the shit you listed up there is hardly true. Only rumors that have been going on for years from dorks that know nothing about pledging. If you want to know something about it then pledge, don't ask people what they think about these so called events that are going on, because they are all bullshit.

Name: ">Brain Silman
Year: 1996
Major: Asshole
Comments:
If these kids want to participate in a frat then so be it. Most of the shit you listed up there is hardly true. Only rumors that have been going on for years from dorks that know nothing about pledging. If you want to know something about it then pledge, don't ask people what they think about these so called events that are going on, because they are all bullshit.

Name: jeff
Comments:
Please read this: "Keep in mind that these are rumored acts and have no factual basis whatsoever."

Name: Dave Shifflett
Year: Senior
Major: INSY
Comments:
As a member of a university "supported" Greek organization I can honestly testify that within my organization, no such hazining rituals were or ever will be practiced. Most of the things that you have listed above are fabricated lies from which many people make their assumptions. I too have heard all the horror stories about what pledges have to do. However, no one is forced to do anything that they wish not to do. Each person is of sound mind to make thier own decisions. Conscious decisions result in conscious consequences, so one must also be mindful of his/her actions. I also believe that the Greek system comes under much unecessary scruitiny. "Buy friends?" This could not be more inaccurate. This is an old cliche` used by those who do not understand what it is to be Greek. As anyone knows, you cannot by friends. Friendship is something that is forged through time. In fact many of my best friends are NOT Greek. Do you actually think that I get along with everyone in my organization? Just like any other type of organization, whether it be the office, or the classroom, there will be people that you do not get along with. "All we do is drink" Nope, actually most people would be surprised at how many hundreds and hundreds of community service hours Greek organizations here accumulate. We run and sponsor University activites. Who do you think the university calls when they need something done? That's right the Greek organizations. Of course, you won't hear about all that, the positive things aren't what people talk about. Now, not every individual that is greek is an upstanding person. And it is that way with any organization. There are going to be bad apples, that's just a fact of life. However, I believe that most Greeks are great people, I have made so many wonderful new friends, met hundreds of people, and made many connections through the greek system. I think that if you haven't given it a shot, you should. Greek life isn't for everybody, and it is NOT the only way to get involved, to make new friends and connecitons. It is just an option. I only ask that before you denounce it, give it a try for yourself, go to rush, see what fraternitys and sororities have to offer. You have nothing to lose by doing it. And if you decide you don't like it, fine there are plenty of other organizations that you can join AND make a difference.

Name: J
Comments:
I have some respect for greeks because of all the shit they went through to become a member, but at the same time I also think that you are trying to buy friends. Do you think none of these guys would be your friend if you didn't go through the hazing mentioned above? Some of these pledging rituals have gone a little too far and if some of these are true then I feel sorry for anyone who feels they have to do it in order to earn the respect of a few men. I mean, you should make your pledges do some work, but good grief how far does it have to go?

Comments:
I will say this much, these groups DON'T practice the tollerence that they preach. Leaving a KE party I was once shoved down the steps at the back of the house, and for what? Leaving? What about the when a roomate or friend pledges one of these groups, and you suddlenly have to answer phones for them at 3:00am on a weekday because some "brother" wants his appartment cleaned. Tell them to quit calling here, and you get a earful about how you should "repsect" their organization. No letters on you, no respect from them. Forgive me for being bitter but what have they done to earn my admiration? Hardly an group I want to join. TOOLS AND MEATHEADS !! They are not the gentlemen clubs they use to be! By no means.

Comments:
SECULAR CULTS FOR PRIVELEDGED KIDS!?!?! I find that comment horribly offensive! Many students on this campus have discovered their way of life by means of sororities/fraternities. How dare you challenge the way people have chosen to live. Poster- you sound extremely opinionated and don't seem to mind that you've grouped a few thousand students together into a big stereotype. I know students in frats/sororities who are inspired...and who are inspiring.

Comments:
The fraternity you call "Detox" is often a bee's nest of rumors and lies. Delta Tau Chi is no longer supported by Radford University because they failed to meet the high standards RU sets for officially sponsored groups. Perhaps their "rituals" were too extravagant, perhaps not. I strongly doubt the group did anything like you mentioned though. I've heard the rumors too, but I don't know the truth, so what's the point in spreading them further?

Comments:
How was the investigation done for this piece? Did the author make it up? Was he told this by frat people? I have often heard thet there is this illegeal but popular frat called Detox whose initiation rituatial includes raping a women. In one version of the story, they also beat several minorities. "IF" this is the case, then why hasn't someone come out and made a public accusation? This is all sdo stupid. Frats are just secular cults for privlidged kids. I have NO respect for anyone that wears the greek letters of shame.