The secret world of fraternity rituals inadvertently exposed itself to public scrutiny two weeks ago when Delta Theta Sigma was cited for "treeing" one of its members. The fraternity members' actions merit the fine imposed for their disorderly conduct.

Now the University needs to use its resources to take a closer look at traditions that embarrass and endanger members of the Greek system.

On Feb. 10, a member of Delta Theta Sigma fraternity reportedly was hung from a tree by his ankles and pelted with "obnoxious foodstuffs" by his brothers. The man wore only his underwear in the six-degree weather.

The Interfraternity Council plans to hold hearings to determine if any University policies were violated. They have the authority to probate the fraternity or impose sanctions. The University Office of Conduct Standards also is gathering information to investigate the incident.

Both organizations should do everything in their power to prosecute the individuals responsible. Shrugging and saying, "It's a tradition," does not give any fraternity license to humiliate and endanger its members.

At issue is whether the fraternity violated University hazing rules. Penn State policy defines hazing as a situation "which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student . . . for the purpose of initiation or admission or affiliation with, or as a condition for continuing membership in any registered student organization."

While the man was not being initiated into the group and reportedly volunteered for the "treeing," the incident still dangerously parallels the hazing rituals. The near-zero temperatures alone pose a threat to physical health and safety of the individual. The dangers of throwing things at someone suspended upside down are enough to qualify the tradition as reckless.

Surely the "treeing" was an intentional act. Members of Delta Theta Sigma have described the incident as a fraternity tradition. Brothers in the fraternity are victims of this ritual when they become engaged to be married.

While every fraternity operates differently, many groups still retain some form of the "treeing" ritual for brothers who get engaged or give their letters to a woman for whom they care. It is ironic that rather than celebrate a union between two people the fraternity brothers chose to humiliate their friend for declaring his commitment to a woman.

This incident, which occurred a week before the IFC Dance Marathon, tarnishes the accomplishments of Penn State's Greek system. The image of a fraternity brother hanging from a tree in his underwear could in some people's minds erase the good will philanthropies can create.

Investigation into the incident should result in action against the perpetrators, and Delta Theta Sigma's shameful tradition, and other similar ones, should cease.