Issues in Greek Life

Why should I be Greek? Many college students, especilly new freshman ask themselves this question. For some who have a legacy to a particular fraternity or sorority, its a family tradition. For others, its an entirely new experience that will hopefully provide new friendships, campus involvement, and other opportunities not availible otherwise. In making this decision, college students are often faced with publicity that destroys the image of Greek organizations, particularly that of male fraternities. However, despite anti-Greek publicity, those who are knowledgeable about the Greek environment and its values are generally firm believers in the benefits of membership.

Supporters of the Greek system claim that joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way for freshman to become better adjusted to their new environment. It provides the opportunity to come in contact with new people who share similar interest and values. In a large university, a fraternity or sorority provide a close-knit supportive group where students feel at home. The fact that members call themselves "sister" and "brother" demonstrates the sense of family. In addition, Greek organizations value academics as they provide incentive programs, study skills and time management workshops, and tutoring for members. In fact, the combined grade-point average of Greeks is often higher than that of undergraduates. Community service is also an important aspect of Greek life. Members dedicate much of their time and talents volunteering and fundraising for charitable organizations and events. Finally, fraternities and sororities provide leadership skills such as organization, communication, and responsibility. Greek men and women are leaders on and off campus and are greatly represented among community and professional leaders.

So what is the negative publicity all about? Many criticize that joining a fraternity or sorority ia a means of buying one's friends. In addition, fraternities and sororities tend to be more homogeneous with respect to race, ethnicity and sexual orientation than the student body in general. But the main criticizm of Greek organizations revolves around alcohol related incidents and most commonly hazing. Hazing is by no means a practice of all Greeks nor is it condoned by the national headquarters of these organizations. Many reform efforts have failed because the use of alcohol and hazing are too deeply embedded in the traditions of some chapters.

Hazing is a crime, yet almost monthly a college or university fraternity makes the national news because of an episode of underage drinking or hazing resulting in bodily injury or worse. Click here for pictures and desriptions of hazing events provided by C.Taylor Crothers and Anne Matthews in an article from The New York Times Magazine.

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