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Anti-Hazing Conferences Are Fine — If Only Students Attended

By Walter M. Kimbrough
Black College Wire

Walter M. Kimbrough

Dominic Hunter’s columns ("Frat Members Should Not Have Been Punished for Hazing," Feb. 14, and "My Critics Misconstrued My Words on Hazing", Feb. 27) needed swift responses for two main reasons.

One, which he didn’t get the first time, is that by placing his opinions in writing, they can be used in future lawsuits to suggest that the national fraternity has failed at implementing a no-pledge process. He admitted to seeing hazing chapters. As an expert witness for hazing cases (including the Tennessee State death), I cringe when I see people damage their organizations trying to make a point. He gained nothing from that column and realistically harmed his two brothers, who will undoubtedly be sued civilly.

But the second reason is that people don’t attend the conferences or workshops that Mr. Latimore suggests. Therefore, a response that is part of a news service reaches far more people. We have a duty to challenge those assumptions for the masses who will never attend an anti-hazing workshop.

There are plenty of conferences. The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals, a professional association for student affairs professionals at historically black colleges and universities, started a national Black Greek conference a few years ago. Last fall, the organization met in Little Rock and I participated on a panel. Several national groups, including Kappa Alpha Psi, have undergraduate leadership institutes that address the issue. I spoke at its 2004 conference. Even the umbrella body for Black Greek organizations, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, has regional and national conferences that address this issue.

Mr. Latimore wrote, “Individuals who should be giving you invaluable advice have instead shunned you.”

This is going to trip you out.

The Southwestern Region of the NPHC had its conference in Baton Rouge, La., in October of 2006. The regional director, a longtime friend, asked me to come. Despite a hectic schedule (and losing my voice), I came that Saturday to lecture on my experience as an expert witness and to offer “invaluable advice.” The conference was co-sponsored by the Southern University NPHC and the Louisiana State University NPHC, with the Friday events at Southern and Saturday's at LSU.

When I spoke Saturday afternoon, Dominic Hunter was not in attendance. In fact, no student from Southern was in attendance at the conference Southern co-sponsored. I saw grad members and advisers, and students from Southern Methodist University. How then do I have a constructive dialogue when the one who needs advice does not attend? Mr. Hunter indicated he was an expert, so of course, he would have no need to hear me. I am insignificant. Yet I came to Baton Rouge to do exactly what Mr. Latimore chided me for not doing.

Mr. Latimore, I feel you. But I am the one infuriated because just five months ago, I spent my time and money to do exactly what you suggested, and he was not there.

So how do I help someone who doesn’t know he needs help?

Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College, is author of “Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities.” To comment, e-mail [email protected]

Posted March 2, 2007

Why I Couldn't Attend the Conference

Dr. Kimbrough is correct, the conference was in Baton Rouge and Southern did co-sponsor it. From what I was told, the Southern University Pan-Hell president was supposed to govern it. At the end of the semester last year, I was that person; that is, I was the 2006-7 Southern University Pan-Hell president.

I was prepared to run the conference by our advisers, and I looked forward to nothing else than going to the conference. But due to technicalities in paperwork, my chapter, Alpha Sigma, was suspended by Kappa Alpha Psi, and I was stripped of my title as president. I was also advised by our Province Polemarch not to attend any events until our suspension was lifted. I would have loved to be there.

It is true that hazing has gotten out of hand, and it is true that I am on the wrong side of a very hot issue, but I have taken my stand and this is something I believe in. I do understand the laws of society, and the bylaws of Kappa Alpha Psi, but I am still a man with my own beliefs, which is why I state my views do not represent my letters or my love for the frat. But I do agree a forum should be held. However, both sides should be able to state their opinions, it should not be just one side downgrading the other's beliefs.

DJ Hunter
Southern University
Baton Rouge, La.
March 3, 2007