Since when have we lived in a state where people are so afraid of litigation that we purposefully change our lives (that are well within the rules) just to appease those that stand to sue us?

Today, I experienced for the first time the empty feeling of caving into someone else. We had traditions, all of them legal and safe, but they must be broken because of the mere threat that an administrator would choose not to like our activities and censure us.

The laws pertaining to hazing in this state are broad, open, and seem to encompass just about anything that one could possibly want to do. They set forth a few examples of common issues but then throw in a wildcard stating that "any other activity or practice" that harms mentally or physically another person is considered hazing. Take that a step further.

Boston University is so afraid of litigation that they have taken the wildcard and applied it to all manners of activities from scavenger hunts to dress codes, wearing greek letters to how we term certain things, and everything in between. It's ludicrous . Now, on a mere rumor, we are changing our process because of the possibility that it maybe out of line w. their interpretation of the laws/rules etc.

Individuals need to take responsibility for their organizations. We aren't hurting people, honest. Our practices do serve a purpose. We are indeed helping them learn and though we are open to changing, why are you forcing us to because you're afraid of being sued? Shouldn't the student experience mean something? Shouldn't the fact that we are preparing our members for the real world be important?

Before you flame me, yes, I understand the issues involved. Number one - hazing is a VERY touchy subject... no one is contesting that. However, we are not hazing. No one is being hurt by our process, no one has complained, no one is distressed or altered. Number two - Boston University cannot afford litigation and even if not a lawsuit, the bad PR that would stem from the mere alligations of Hazing.

So I leave you with this thought for the evening: When did we become so sensitive to hurt feelings that we are allowing ourselves to compromise our missions and objectives? Why are we so trigger happy to sue when most issues could be worked out with a mature conversation?

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