Recruitment and approaches by all types of groups are a common place occurrence. Group activities can escalate into a problem, for example, recruitment can lead to inappropriate immersion into the group. Constitutional issues are extremely important, including freedom of religion, speech and assembly. The level of group activities on campus is known to students but is known to a much lesser degree by administrators. Resources on the campuses are not always fully prepared or known to students or parents.
Education is the most promising solution to prevent harm to students.
Commend the University of Maryland, College Park administration for developing an effective training program for the Resident Assistants and recommend that other institutions with reported problems consider using its program and materials as a model. Require USM institutions, Morgan State University and St. Mary's College to assess the training needed for heightened institutional awareness of potential problems of destructive groups. Each institution should have the responsibility and the authority to determine the definition of harm relevant to the activities of such groups. The Task Force wishes to emphasis that this recommendation is for each institution to assess its training needs. Policies for Resident Assistants and campus professionals regarding the recruitment of students and the consequences for violations of said policies should be clear.