Theta Chi Fraternity's anti-hazing roots stretch back over 150 years - even prior to the founding of Theta Chi Society on April 10, 1856.
According to The History of Theta Chi Fraternity published in 1927 and written by Executive Secretary Robert H. Hoge, Cadet Arthur Chase took a stand against hazing. Hoge writes:
"At Norwich, Cadet Chase was a friend of a young cadet named Dewey, a member of a lower class. He roomed with him for a time, warding off the hazers who desired to have fun at the lad's expense. [Cadet Dewey] years afterward became an Admiral, and is known as the Hero of Manila Bay. Cadet Chase frequently mentioned him in his home letters..."
Though we do not know the circumstances, we do know that Arther Chase, future co-founder of Theta Chi Fraternity, took a stand against hazing.
Another story of a Theta Chi member taking a stand against hazing comes from September 1881 - when Norwich University had barely over a dozen students enrolled, and Theta Chi was reduced to one member, James Michael Holland. Two of the newest cadets entering Norwich were Phil Sheridan Randall and Henry Blanchard Hersey. Randall recounted how, on their very first day at Norwich, Hersey arrived with long sideburns, which, unbeknowst to Hersey, were against cadet rules. A member of Theta Chi's rival fraternity, Alpha Sigma Pi, took it upon himself to try and "correct" Hersey and pulled Hersey's sideburns. Hersey won the ensuing fight...
When Phil S. Randall had the idea to ask Holland about joining Theta Chi, it was very easy to recruit and convince Hersey - he wanted nothing to do with the Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity after the way one of their members had treated him. Hersey took a stand against hazing and worked with Randall and Holland to save Theta Chi for future generations.
As National Hazing Prevention Week concludes, Theta Chi again invites you to take a stand and take the pledge to prevent hazing:
The Hazing Prevention Pledge
I pledge to prevent hazing before it occurs, stop hazing when I see it happening, report it when I know it has transpired, and help empower others to do the same in their organizations, schools and communities.
I join others to:
- Recognize the harm that hazing can cause both physically and psychologically;
- Condemn the act of hazing on all levels;
- Admonish those who haze and those who enable hazing through their silence, and;
- Be an advocate for the prevention of hazing
You can take the pledge by clicking here and completing the form.
Though National Hazing Prevention Week is September 23-27, Theta Chi Fraternity's commitment against hazing remains in place each and every day.
If you are being hazed or are aware of others being hazed, call our anti-hazing hotline at 1-855-824-4840.