OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

A Hazy Line

The Office of Greek Affairs' decision to suspend Tau Kappa Epsilon(TKE) for hazing violations related to "suggestive dancing"is an unfortunate event but certainly comes at the end of a fair process. The suspension was the conclusion of a five-month investigation in which the fraternity was certainly given a fair trial. Because the issue of hazing is well, hazy to say the least, the Office of Greek Affairs goes to great lengths to keep students safe during Greek events, not punish students for minor infractions and constantly nag the community.

While some traditions may not prove immediately harmful to those involved, the Office of Greek Affairs' goal is to prevent potentially dangerous situations from happening. The punishments TKE received, no summer rush and fall social probation, seem suitable considering the violation.

While not being so harsh as to damage the chapter's future, the actions taken against TKE will deter similar events from occuring in the Greek community that could prove to be emotionally or physically damaging hazing incidences. However, the fact that Tech has always been a safe place to foster friendship, sisterhood, and brotherhood and continues to be so, should not be lost in this event. Tech students have rarely crossed the line when it comes to hazing, and an event like this simply ensures that more dangerous activities do not come about.

Missing McMath

After 33 years of service spent enriching the Tech community, Robert McMath is leaving Tech to serve as Dean of the Honors College at the University of Arkansas. He leaves behind colleagues and students alike who will miss his presence around campus. During his time at Tech, McMath served as a history professor, an associate dean of the Ivan Allen College, Chair of the School of History, Technology and Society and, most recently, vice provost for Undergraduate Studies and Academic Affairs.

McMath is an important part of Tech's history, not only as serving as an influential leader, but also by co-authoring Engineering the New South: Georgia Tech, 1885-1985, to celebrate Tech's centennial anniversary (one of seven books he has authored or co-authored). His decision is especially disheartening at a time when Tech is considering starting an honors program of its own.

While McMath will be sorely missed here, we wish him well in his new home at the University of Arkansas. There is no doubt that he will continue to be an inspiration to all of those who surround him.