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Should Fraternities Be Shut Down?

While System May Have Problems, Experts Say Fraternities Can Play Positive Role

"As an institution I think it's worth saving, but what it's going to demand from us is a more active role in the guidance of these young men," DeSantis told ABCNEWS.com.

He suggests that fraternities have as much guidance as college sports teams do – coaches, faculty advisors and university officials oversee much of NCAA athletic programming.

"Fraternities are really unique in the fact that they have university affiliation but very little governance over what takes place in these secret organizations and isolated houses," added DeSantis.

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But some say the events at Tulane and San Diego, and other hazing and drug-related issues are not a sign that the system is broken, but rather are isolated, unfortunate events.

"It's very important that we distinguish [the incidents at Tulane and San Diego] as not the norm but as exceptions to the rules," Peter Smithhisler, CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, told ABCNEWS.com.

"When a fraternity is done right it's the premiere leadership experience on the college campus," said Smithhisler, who added that a swift response – like the suspension of the chapters in Louisiana and California – is routine in times of misbehavior.

Fraternity Members Say It's Worth It

Nathan, a recent college graduate who asked his last name not be used to protect his identity, told ABCNEWS.com that he was hazed extensively when pledging as a freshman at a small, East Coast liberal arts school.

"We had to ingest a lot of concoctions that were spoiled bad," said Nathan, who added that he estimates he vomited during 70 percent of his pledging activities. "I got my lowest GPA when I pledged."

And while Nathan says he doesn't think hazing is a "good thing," he does appreciate the close relationships he formed with his peers because of it.

"I have a special bond with [my fraternity brothers] that I can assume is akin to what people experience in the military," said Nathan, who added that he was "embarrassed" when he heard about the incidents at Tulane and SDSU.

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