Syracuse University made the right decision suspending the Nu Alpha Phi fraternity for hazing, and should take care to enforce its zero tolerance policy in all instances of hazing.

Two SU students were arrested by Syracuse police Wednesday on hazing charges. The hazing left one pledge with severe frostbite and he may lose four fingers because of it. The fraternity was suspended on Monday when SU received word of the incident.

SU has clearly defined its Anti-Hazing Policy: “To include any action that intentionally or recklessly causes or poses a substantial risk of harm to the mental or physical health or safety of one or more persons. Subjecting any person to and/or encouraging any person to commit an act that violates human dignity, the Code of Student Conduct, or the law for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering, or confirming any form of affiliation with a group or organization is prohibited.”

There is a common belief on campus that students should accept that hazing happens, but that is not the case. Hazing does not have to be a part of Greek life, or other groups on campus. Students should not feel pressure to suffer in silence; safety trumps tradition. In light of recent events the university should recirculate this policy to the entire student body in a campus wide email.

In order to end hazing on campus, the university should treat all instances of hazing equally and enforce its policy to its fullest extent. It should also consider taking charters away from the Greek life organizations that are found to be hazing their pledges. Having severe punishments in place for hazing will be the best way to deter future hazing.

If these standards are to be upheld effectively, the university has to hold all organizations to the same standards. Hazing in any form or severity is not tolerable. The university cannot pick and choose what cases it will pursue. And it cannot only come down hard on houses involved in public scandals.

Hazing has no place — and should never have a place — at SU.