While calls for the Epstein files to be released spread across the internet, a different set of “files” were released and made waves on the University of Iowa campus. 

The so-called “Frat Files” took the media by storm when the body cam footage of a hazing situation at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was released. But everyone at the UI was well aware of the ordeal: this is the most notoriety we’ve seen since Caitlyn Clark. 

Videos and stories that analyzed or made fun of the situation racked up millions of views and likes across social media platforms. 

But despite all the humor and play surrounding the footage, there remains a more serious issue of hazing at hand: systemic change has to occur on the UI campus to make Greek life safer. 

Under Iowa law, hazing is illegal. It happens all the same. 

While many people have been quick to point out that the pledges were there of their own free will and some have even gone as far to say that they wanted to be there, the code specifies that “forced activity” refers to an activity that is “a condition of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.” 

Sure, they were there of their own free will and probably wanted to be there if it meant they could be brothers, but surely none of them were jumping at the opportunity to be shirtless, blindfolded, and degraded, and none of them came up with the idea.

Hazing is often dangerous, with Campus Safety Magazine reporting in June 2025 that over 120 deaths have resulted from hazing in the last 25 years. It instills a dangerous mindset into the minds of impressionable young men.

The culture of hazing glorifies and perpetuates abusive behaviors that don’t always end with the hazing itself. 

The allusion in the online name “Frat Files” references the Epstein files, a far grander scheme of abuse. But concerned commentators under videos of the former have pointed out that it is the normalization of behaviors like this that can escalate to behaviors adjacent to those seen in the Epstein files.

When circumstances like this come to light, they also cast a shadow over the whole of the Greek life community, even those who don’t partake in hazing and work to promote healthy cultures. Lee Nienhaus, a second-year member of Iowa’s Zeta Tau Alpha, agreed with this sentiment. 

“They should absolutely be ashamed of their conduct towards their brothers and of the way they have misrepresented our beautiful, larger [Fraternity and Sorority Life] community,” she said. 

Nienhaus agreed it is wrong to force individuals to humiliate themselves and scare them into submission to prove their commitment and trustworthiness. Real pledgeship looks like self-betterment and healthy bonding. 

“Your new members’ trial by fire should always be bonding together as a pledge class through learning how to be better people,” she said.

Change needs to take place across several levels to encourage a healthier Greek life system all around. 

Part of that means a societal shift in our collective approach to hazing. It shouldn’t be brushed off as a part of Greek life. It needs to be condemned, reported, and stopped.

“I’m extremely grateful that Iowa’s history with hazing is being condemned by the wider community and by other people in fraternity and sorority life,” Nienhaus said. “It makes me glad that the Alpha Delta Phi scandal will be immortalized, even through meme culture.”

Comprehensive hazing policies, as well as a zero-tolerance approach, help define and limit hazing. The university prohibits hazing on and off campus and outlines its procedures for handling reports.

Education and training for students regarding hazing is also a crucial component in the reduction of this harmful practice. Mandatory hazing education programs, workshops for staff and faculty, and bystander intervention training can help individuals to recognize hazing and what actions to take.

Reporting mechanisms are also an important component that allows individuals to come forward to report anonymously, without fear of retaliation. These mechanisms should be widely known and shared across campus. Students are urged to report concerns through the Report a Concern form or by contacting campus police.

“I hope one day Iowa can be noted for having a Greek culture that encourages fraternity men to enrich their communities and change the scummy representation of ‘frat guys,’” Nienhaus said.

She added unoptimistically that unless hazing was cracked down on systemically, nothing would soon change.