Question:
Recently my chapter and I were in trouble for a hazing allegation. It is just about resolved and I know that Brother Crutison spoke with you about the matter. I know that what I did was wrong and short sited, I am not writing to debate that. I feel that the Fraternity has a larger problem on its hands then it wants to admit. As a result of my lapse in judgment I was almost expelled from school, my chapter is suspend for five years, our charter may be revoked, and I may be expelled for 3 years. This entire experience was emotionally draining for me, and I am worried that what will happen is people will forget about this case, and those who choose to ignore the past are doomed to repeat it. I do not think ANY brother has any idea what it feels like to almost have your degree taken away from them unless it has happened; being one of those brothers that it has almost happened to, I do not want anyone to experience that. My question to you Brother Tillman is will you try a new approach to end underground pledging, or will you continue doing what the current administration is doing? If you do have some new ideas what are they?
Answer:
As a former Michigan District Director and current regional vice president, this is an issue that I have been dealing with for a long time. Let me be honest, underground pledging will not end unless the member (or members) who is doing the act don’t do it at all.
Let me explain, the very definition of “underground” is to be in concealment or secrecy. As an Alpha official or even a general member, I don’t know when another member is going to do something wrong if it’s done without my knowledge. No one can. So the member who is committing the “act” of illegal pledging (hazing) is willingly violating our fraternal, university, and state rules. If you are a friend of a member and you know what is about to occur, then it now becomes your duty to make sure that the member does not put you, himself, the aspirant, or the fraternity in jeopardy. Again, it starts with the individual member.
As a district director and regional vice president, I constantly remind, educate, threaten, you name it to alert our members that underground pledging, hazing or anything beyond our fraternal rules to bring in new members is WRONG. My job is to investigate, suspend, or expel members who decide to violate those rules. We have local officials in place, district directors, chapter advisors, or area directors, to assist members in doing the right thing. But if someone wants to do wrong, then there is nothing to stop that person from doing wrong.
If we want to stop underground pledging, it starts with self and that includes me as well. In my 25yrs, I have never been put into a situation (nor put myself into a situation) of underground pledging. The fraternity will deal with the violators, and yes that’s doing more of the same. But I can assure you that I will continue to educate and support policies that provides a “safe environment” for those members who want to do right and report those who are violating our rules.
I want to leave you with a statement I made more 12yrs when I was a district director to show my feelings about underground pledging, hazing, and the effects of our Alpha brand. We truly need an army of brothers who want to do the right thing. I hope this helps and I hope you will be able to be one of those agents of change so that you nor anyone else has to go thru the same experience you had. It sounds like because of your experience, it’s starting with you right now.
The following statement was addressing a “ghost brother” situation back in 1999.
On 01/30/99 at 14:18 Bro. Mark S. Tillman from Gamma Lambda said:
“Greetings Brothers!!! My name is Bro. Mark S. Tillman and I am the
current District Director for Michigan. I was just recently informed of
these posts and I would like to inform you that the District is doing
everything in its power to make sure that “non-members” do not
jeopardize the future of the Fraternity and to repair an already damaged
image of the state. I was initiated into the Fraternity in 1985 at
Dillard University (New Orleans, LA), Beta Phi Chapter and like many of
you, I am appalled at the fact that we are dealing with this subject at
all. When I was installed in 1998 at our Midwestern Regional Convention
in Louisville, KY, I knew I had an uphill battle. Yes, I know there are
INDIVIDUALS, and I stress that term, that are utilizing the name of the
Fraternity in a negative light. Unfortunately, these INDIVIDUALS seem to
disappear like “ghosts” (pun intended). However, we are dealing with
human beings. I cannot go back and change the past of what happened in
this state. But I am trying to affect it’s future. How? By making sure
that ALL of the District’s chapters are (and STAY ) in good standing
with the Fraternity. When I took the job, only 3 chapters were in good
standing and 8 out of 10 college chapters were on their way to being
decharted. Now, 10 out of 10 college chapters are in good standing. The
current District leadership has ZERO-TOLERENCE with chapters operating
outside of the boundaries of the fraternal laws. And chapters know this
upfront. The District is also planning a host of POSITIVE activities
where everyone can get to know each other in different settings. And
yes, The District is encouraging chapters to be MORE involved in
contests at ALL levels of the Fraternity. Plus, there are other
initiatives in the works… As for these “GHOSTS,” they will be exposed.
One by One!!! But it also takes the help of “official” Brothers for not
condoning this behavior. If a brother is a friend of this individual
(and some of you are) then ask him not to represent himself as an Alpha.
If he wants to become an Alpha, he needs to go through the Intake
Process like everyone else. Otherwise, that individual could face legal
repercussions by misrepresenting the Fraternity. And for you “official”
brothers who come in contact with these individuals, stand up for
yourself (peacefully and within the law). YOU are Alpha Phi Alpha, THEY
ARE NOT!!! Brothers, this message will no doubt be seen by these
non-members of the Fraternity. I know that. But remember what this
Fraternity was founded on; “Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for ALL
Mankind!!!” Not, “How you pledge, Where you pledge and Who you
Pledge!!!” If you keep worrying about that, then this Fraternity will
NOT move forward. If brothers really want to make a change, I am open to
ANY and ALL ideas. Bro. Tillman… “