Current situation is a result from failed policies
As Thursday evening approached, pastel tears were shed throughout freshmen dorms as the dreams of becoming a fall pledge seemed to disappear from the near future. For some, the beginning of college life was marred the first week into school, leaving them thinking that their fall might just end up being — not frat. As the news spread throughout the Greek Village, Twitter feeds and status updates informed onlookers of the worst: Due to widespread alcohol issues and violations of Greek Life policy, rush had been canceled. Allegedly, six organizations used alcohol as a means to recruit and gain an advantage over others during rush. Allegedly, no other organizations were found to be at fault. While this thesis may have flaws as well, room for discourse was removed as the entire rush process was halted with organizations finding that their fall pledge classes will be nonexistent. This approach sought to ignore any concept of equal protection and to penalize an entire community for the questionable actions of a few. But are these actions different from years before, and are they different from others on campus? I don't think so. Regardless, the current situation is fallout from failed policies instituted years ago.
Fraternity life seeks to incorporate a set of values that can certainly better one's demeanor. Starting with a well-developed pledge process, it can make one a more complete and well-rounded person. During mine, I was able to broaden myself beyond the compounds of the Greek Village, and expand my leadership abilities through the principle of being involved by the opportunities my fraternity provided for me. I had football practices and worked on a campaign daily, both of which were mandatory. Some organizations took pledging out of hand, while others sought to use it as a chance to immerse a freshman into new experiences. Either way, it's considered hazing nowadays. Getting out and applying yourself to your surroundings as a pledge is now a very frowned-upon occurrence. Only a few short years ago, this principle of involvement was well received because involvement meant community involvement, athletic involvement, scholastic involvement and social involvement as well.
Due to the concern of hazing, much of the pledge process and enforcement of alcohol policies changed. As restrictions on parties occurred, the concept of social involvement waned and with it, the desire to get out and be involved in the community. Policies changed for the worst and induced a sense of laziness among the Greek community. Going to parties sponsored by fraternities became more of a hassle, philanthropies went dry and boring and frustrations encouraged fights on an unprecedented level — somewhere along that line, members stopped caring as the crackdown ensued. As a result, guys are less involved in improving their organizations and the community at large. Things like philanthropy and civic involvement have become marginalized ideals. It makes sense, though. If you can't be treated like an adult, or at least as a responsible college student, then why is it up to you to be involved in bettering the world? Raise money for a good cause? That's for responsible adults to worry about.
Some of the policies currently enforced are simply unnecessary. Four guys drinking in a room and it's a "frat party"? Drinking is only allowed on the second floor, in your room, with the door closed? Sounds like alcoholism to me. Look at other schools — the Greeks are active and involved. Why? It's as simple as drinking a beer while building a float for homecoming, selling a drink or two to raise money for cancer or holding an actual house party where fun is had. To create a safe, well-managed Greek culture, one must respect the autonomy of a self-governing council, and work to create policies that are reasonable, but most importantly practical. As a result leadership efforts will increase, as will involvement and overall intellectual engagement of campus Greeks.
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