S igma Alpha Epsilon fraternity’s decision to ban pledging in all chapters nationwide, including UNC’s, will naturally be met with resistance by Greek traditionalists.
While this ban will likely have backlash, the Interfraternity Council should closely monitor the progress of Sigma Alpha Epsilon to see if it is able to maintain its prominence, and perhaps others should look into banning pledging if the results are positive.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon is one of the most popular fraternities in the country, ranking in the top five in membership, which includes a strong chapter at UNC. If the fraternity can survive this ban with its reputation intact, then it would serve as a promising model for other fraternities exploring eliminating the pledging process.
This is not to fully endorse the move to ban pledging — it has a valuable place in building brotherhood and vetting new members. A wholesale ban on pledging could create a disconnect between alumni and new members, who would have had strikingly different experiences.
Despite moving away from a hallowed tradition, it’s impossible to say this would not come with benefits.
Banning pledging effectively takes out the most dangerous time of the year for fraternities, and it would lead to a safer environment, at least on paper.
Enforcing the ban would be difficult, to say the least.
Simply put, this is a noteworthy move from a major player in America’s Greek scene. With such a prominent fraternity involved, the results will have legitimate implications on fraternity culture nationwide.
