‘Relax Pal’ message seen outside house of NC State fraternity facing hazing investigation
By Jon Dowding
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A message posted outside a North Carolina State University fraternity house has drawn attention as the chapter remains under an interim suspension during a hazing investigation, with prevention experts saying incidents like these highlight the need for transparency and reporting resources on college campuses.
The words “Relax Pal” were displayed on a white sheet outside the Sigma Nu Beta Tau chapter house Wednesday afternoon. The message was later removed, and it is unclear whether it was related to the ongoing criminal hazing investigation involving the chapter.
The display comes as Sigma Nu’s Beta Tau chapter remains under an interim suspension imposed by both NC State and the fraternity’s national organization. The suspension requires the chapter to halt all activities while the investigation continues.
Sigma Nu National referred ABC11 to its previous statement when asked about the message displayed outside the fraternity house Wednesday.
NC State senior Reagan Streeter said the hazing allegations were disappointing, though not entirely surprising.
“I think that doesn’t super surprise me that things like this happen. It is inherently sad to hear about,” Streeter said.
As questions remain about the investigation, hazing prevention advocates say the issue continues to affect students across campuses nationwide.
“55% of college students participating in clubs, teams, and organizations are experiencing hazing,” said Meredith Stewart, director of strategy and operations for StopHazing.
Stewart said students often join organizations to find support and belonging, making hazing particularly harmful.
“Hazing is a form of interpersonal violence, and students are joining clubs, teams, and organizations to find community, to have a sense of belonging and connection,” Stewart said.
The NC State investigation comes amid renewed national attention on hazing allegations at colleges and universities, including scrutiny surrounding how Cornell University handled allegations involving sexual assault and hazing.
Streeter said organizations should provide opportunities for students rather than cause harm.
“If that’s something you want to do, you can use that as a space to find community. But if you’re using it as a way to hurt other people or to just get what you want, that’s not something that really is going to be beneficial for your self-worth, for the betterment of society,” Streeter said.
While Stewart said federal and state laws have increased transparency around hazing, challenges remain when it comes to reporting incidents.
“Making sure you’re having the courage to take that next step is what will continue to help make a difference,” Stewart said.
StopHazing staff encouraged students who may be affected by hazing to seek resources through their universities as the investigation at NC State continues.
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