In the aftermath of the traumatic death of Baruch freshman, Chun Hsien Deng (also referred to as “Michael”) during a fraternity initiation in December 2013, Greek life at the CUNY college may cease altogether.
Michael Deng, the victim in the well-publicized crime, was brutally hazed during the Pi Delta Psi initiation rite that took place nearly two-years-ago in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. According to a released statement by the police, “Deng was subjected to repeated blunt force trauma which was applied to three different organ systems of the body to include the head, torso and thighs.” The consequences of the ritual were fatal for Deng.
Since the horrific incident, charges were recommended against 37 members of the fraternity, with five members facing the top charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and aggravated assault. The others are charged for less stringent actions including: hindering apprehension, hazing and criminal conspiracy.
Although the trial process is still underway for Deng, Baruch has actively taken action in response to the hazing crime. Not only did Baruch permanently ban the fraternity to which Deng was pledging, Pi Delta Psi, but the administration also put a halt on pledging at every Greek social organization on campus, which has been extended until the summer of 2018.
In an effort to keep the students safe, Baruch has proposed that a ban on Greek life in order to prevent future traumatic experiences, such as that of Michael, from occurring again. However, this has not been too well received by members of Greek organizations throughout the campus.
According to the CUNY system, “of its 278,000 students enrolled in degree programs this fall, about 500 students are fraternity and sorority members,” making it the highest percentage in the system’s history.
In response to Baruch’s statement, presidents of sororities and fraternities have spoken about the hindrance of a familial bond fostered by Greek life, as well as the opportunities for students of similar backgrounds or similar interests to mingle.
The dwindling number of members of Baruch’s Greek social organizations is also indisputable since Deng’s death. There are also a great number of Greek subsets, such as Lambda Upsilon Lambda, on the brink of existence.
According to Dean of Students, Art King, Baruch wants to ensure that “when families send their sons and daughters here, and they join clubs and organizations, they are safe.” For this reason, the future of Greek life at Baruch may no longer exist in the years to come.
Sources:
37 Face Charges in Hazing Death of Baruch College Freshman Michael Deng. NBC News.
Tracy Connor
Baruch’s Greek Organizations Say Ban on Pledging Effectively Shuts Them Down. The New York Times
Elizabeth A. Harris.
PIX 11 Photograph of Michael Deng and fraternity
