Social club pledges won’t be sleep deprived the Saturday morning of Homecoming, breaking the long-standing tradition of working on floats until the crack of dawn.

Thank goodness.

Texas state law considers sleep deprivation hazing, and the Optimist agrees with the decision to have pledges in by curfew.

Some club presidents have questioned this decision, wondering how it was separated from Bid Night, where pledges stay up all night.

Amanda Spell, coordinator of student organizations and activities, said most club members are not present during the float activities, while most members experience Bid Night with the pledges.

In addition, on the Saturday after Bid Night, no pledging activities take place; the Saturday of Homecoming, pledges must be up early for breakfasts, the parade and then the game.

Club members argue that the float-building time was one of the most special to them when they pledged and say that some of the best bonding happens then.

This tradition has not ended. The only change is the time. After all, pledging itself is a bonding time, according to social club arguments. Bonding does not have to happen at 4 a.m.

Floats, like most of the pledging process have been shrouded in secrecy; no one talks about the theme, and floats are guarded with bodyguard fervor. Secrecy breeds suspicion, so clubs should not be surprised when officials regulate them to prevent any possible dangers.

If clubs insist on being secretive, pleas to Spell to “trust us” lose credibility. Trust fails on a system based on secrets.

The floats, parade and competition are important to clubs, so Spell is advocating more preparation to have the floats done in time for curfew. This restriction is not unreasonable. Its enforcement is good for clubs and good for pledges.