I will be frank with you all, dear readers — I did not have the right frame of mind going into this event. As noble as it felt seeing a film called “4000 Days,” a documentary about hazing at an event hosted by the organization Stop Hazing, my mind was immediately filled with thoughts that this would be comparable to something right out of a D.A.R.E. event. I thought that we’d be stuck in a large, cavernous room with nothing but the buzz of old microphone equipment, a few words from specialists and a crowd of old folks.
The event was held at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday this past week. I had arrived an hour early to secure a good seat, and in my infinite wisdom, decided to sit in the third row. As the time grew closer to 6 p.m., I noticed everyone coming in was piling into the back rows. Not good for my nerves, as you can imagine, given that I was the only one sitting up front.
But back on the topic of attendees, I was surprised to see so many faces in the crowd. Quite a few elderly ladies and gentlemen, of course, but plenty of young faces as well. Most of them were from fraternities and sororities. Despite the event’s modesty, it seemed to have garnered quite a bit of positive attention, and for good reason too.
The film itself, for one, was actually quite good! I didn’t so much as nod off for a moment throughout the whole thing, which is quite the accomplishment for a documentary. To go over it, and if not shamelessly quote the official site’s description, the film depicts the crusade of three families — Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes and TJ and Kim Burch — as they battle legislation and “Big Frat” in the name of the sons their families lost to fraternity hazing rituals. The film spans the full 4,000 days it took to get the Stop Campus Hazing Act passed in 2024.
Daniel Catuillo III is clearly a competent director. The film was powerful, respectful and well-edited. Frankly, by the end of it all, I couldn’t think of many problems with the film other than the fact that it dragged in a few places. When certain sections of the film transitioned into others, it felt a bit like a fakeout ending. But then again, I do not watch many documentaries, so this could be completely normal. It was no “Sound of Freedom,” but I would say it was on par in terms of the importance of its message.
After the film had concluded, I had a chance to speak with some of the young men sitting behind me, all of whom happened to be from one of our own campus fraternities, Sigma Phi Epsilon. I asked what they thought of the film. Their president, Andrew Cormier, said it “was pretty powerful.”
I think what really put this whole event together, however, was the opportunity to hear from and meet Gary and Julie DeVercelly, the family who started the whole movement and ultimately spearheaded the charge to get the Stop Campus Hazing Act passed. It really was astounding to me that they came all the way from California just to spread their message and story with us, trying to do what they can to prevent what happened to their son, Gary DeVercelly Jr., from happening to anyone else. They truly are stronger than most.
Really, I was nervous to actually meet them. I had gotten to ask the couple a question about what kind of opposition they had whilst pursuing getting the bill passed.
“The Greeks really pushed back. They were probably our toughest enemy,” said Gary.
And while the film was good, shaking hands with Mr. DeVercelly afterwards and getting to speak with him on the subject of the event was the highlight of the night. All in all, this was a very pleasant evening and it was very well organized.
