I entered USC in the fall of 1966, pledged the Kappa Sigma fraternity in the spring of 1967, and graduated in June of 1970. To this day, I am still friends with 30 or more of my fraternity brothers. Believe me, none of us are happy about what’s happening there now.
The question no longer is do sexual assaults happen at USC fraternity parties, but what is the proper punishment for the perpetrators? Answers range from jail time to suspension to banning fraternities altogether.
I’d like to add another remedy: steep fines for parents.
Before a typical 18-year-old male freshman is allowed to attend classes, he and his parents should be made to sign a contract with the university. That contract should require student and parent attendance at a 90-minute orientation on campus focusing exclusively on sexual assault, and that the parents agree to pay a steep fine* if their son is found guilty of sexual assault.
My guess is if parents truly were on the hook for their kids’ behavior, the number of assaults would drop dramatically.
There is no excuse for members of fraternities spiking drinks in order to assault women. USC has an obligation to ensure the safety of its students, both on campus and on Fraternity Row. In my opinion, making parents accountable would go a long way toward achieving that goal.
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach
* I suggested a $250,000 fine but The Times cut that out.