Residence Life: Reverse Your Decision to Evict 5th West Ashton

Typical..kiss ***es worried about greed. Oh how dare you endanger money and our credibility Leave At Once.. Fake A** Christians anyways With a fake shake of hands Leave Them Chirren Alone I get that some people don't like it..someone probably really freaked out..because in there parents net everything was safety proofed where thugs, cholos , & black people didnt exist or some BS...don't blame the kid..blame they dam parents.. And honestly seen alot way worst things...stop being tight hinnies No one's hurt ,this aint the ghettos. Leave it be

While safety trumps tradition, there is no such issue here. Bring our boys home!

It seems to me that there are two issues here: 1) SPU has taken the TRUE problem of hazing, and applied it to something that is not hazing, perhaps in an over-abundance of caution, but it sure looks like political correctness. 2) SPU has set up a timeline for their reaction that is draconian compared with the student actions that supposedly set it in motion. The reaction is harsh, does not allow the students' voices to be heard before punishment occurs, and creates a situation that is designed to CAUSE these students to leave SPU (they will not be able to find housing in a matter of hours or days). I call on SPU to investigate, consider, and counsel with the students BEFORE taking action.

Prayers are with 5W

I lived in Ashton my freshman year and know about both 5W and 6W traditions. Assuming they are the same then as they were this year, I can see why 6W would be bad but not why 5W would be. There is always the option to not do tradition and people are encouraged to participate, not pressured or forced. People are understanding if you are really uncomfortable with it. I want to know what they did that warranted this. Res Life at SPU has a tendency to just throw people out of housing with promises (as like what happened to the 2W RA two years ago) that they will help them and then fail to keep them. I think Res Life needs to take a look at their policies and their staff because they are really bad about kicking people out who are in need. If someone has depression, they should be able to see a campus counselor weekly, not get kicked out of housing. SPU likes to say they treat students fairly, but they don't.

I did not attend SPU but knowing one of the students, I actually considered suggesting this school to some high school students I know and possibly my children. If this is the way they handle things, I will NOT be recommending them. The punishment is far too extreme. Where is the forgiveness that Christ calls us to? The second chance? If you want to take these boys out of leadership positions, that's one thing. However, kicking them off campus and only giving them 72 hours to find a place to go is uncalled for and not compassionate as Christ calls us to be. I don't know about the housing situations around SPU but in most places it takes WEEKS to find a decent place to live. And as far as the administration goes, shame on you for hanging these students out to dry. If you knew these types of traditions were taking place, then why didn't you make it clear to the RD that they will no longer be accepted. If you DID tell the RD, and he failed to communicate that with these other students, take it out on the RD, not the students. And I must ask how many of you administrators participated in these same traditions while attending SPU? There are TWO sides to every story and it sounds like the administration is only listening to one side because they are worried about themselves. It's sad knowing that SPU is another "Christian" college who only cares about their image and their money.

10 years ago Featured

When residents get caught for underage drinking, a completely illegal act, all they have to do is pay a fine and take a class on alcohol abuse. Based on past punishments, the crime doesn't fit the punishment to kick these boys out for "hazing".

Draconian scare tactics being used on 19-year olds for voluntary participation in a dignified body paint tradition, because "rules are rules" and if someone thinks you could be jeopardizing SPU's image then you are breaking them and must be removed from on-campus life. SPU has gone 100% all-in on pc culture, proliferating a timid fear of everything instead of the safety it promises. Also should be noted: SPU doesn't consider these guys old enough to live off campus. They would've had to petition (with a sizable chance of being rejected) to live off campus because the school "cares about their well being." I think giving them 72 hours to exit the dorm community for putting some paint on each other proves the only well-being SPU cares for is that of its image.

SPU Administration: I thought the witch hunts of long ago was history. Way to go SPU, you brought back history from 450 years ago! In addition, SPU is guilty of hazing. You are the real "hazer's".

Threatening to be kicked out of the dorm, physical and mental abuse in the form of extreme stress/sleepless nights and singling out group members in order to intimidate each boy. This constitutes true hazing. Way to go SPU!

When I was on fifth west one of our floor mates wasn't feeling initiation either. So he didn't go through with it. That's all it takes. Not- doing it, feeling uncomfortable by it, then tattling on it. You're in college. On a great floor. Live a little. Get out of your comfort zone. That's the point.

10 years ago Featured

This incident is in no way what I would call hazing nor does it meet the university's own definition. This action being considered by the university is an outrage and would cause extreme harm to the students! As a result, I will reconsider where I send my daughter to college when the time comes.

Praying for you guys!

As an SPU alum who willingly participated in traditions of hill hall and witnessed the TRADITIONS of ashton as well, this is not hazing. These are traditions that brought the community closer and bonded the floor. If anyone was uncomfortable with participating, NO ONE was required to participate. SPU is a safe and loving enviornment, and always has been.

What would Jesus do.

re-evaluate punishment

The students in this case did NOT engage in hazing as defined by Seattle Pacific's rules. If they did, please supply the proof..... Simple as that. Send it to my email: [email protected] . Here is what the University's specific rules say: "Hazing" includes any method of initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group, that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending Seattle Pacific University. Hazing activities may include but are not limited to the following: abuse of alcohol during new member activities; striking another person whether by use of any object or one’s body; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and/or psychological shock; and morally degrading or humiliating games or activities that cause bodily, emotional, or mental harm. In addition to University sanctions, hazing may also result in criminal prosecution. . . . . . Since the University clearly knows that this rule as written was not violated, the only act of justice is to restore the students to their previous standings. SPU should use this event to highlight the struggle for justice, fairness, the spirit of rules vs the letter of the law, and to use this incredibly teachable moment as an example of excellence in teaching "critical thinking". Right now all SPU is doing is demonstrating "We run the show, and you don't get to question what we say". Nothing devout, nothing moral, and certainly no divine direction in that. Again, if I am wrong, make the case. But MAKE the case...... Not just "Hey, you shut up pal!" You have my email address. Make the case. - - - - The power of the powerful MUST reside in solid moral purpose. That is what makes God's choice of US, the human race, the special species of his kingdom.

The school is out of line and making an example of the students. People should ask what the tradition entailed. Waving socks over your head and having your body painted does not define the hazing laws of the state of Washington. Shame on you SPU. You will not be receiving any more money for your alumni accounts from me!

The school is way out of line and filing charges against the students. There is a enough documented information and testimonies to show the school is in the wrong

I understand the severity of hazing, but when you talk to the freshman who were participating in the traditions of 5th West, they could only say good things about being able to bond with each other, not forced.