The Greek system is often fairly accused
of irresponsible actions, hazing and deplorable behavior. With
cases involving student deaths and hospitalizations, clearly
something should change. However, the University
administration’s attempts to force the Greek system to push
Fall Rush back to winter semester are misguided and ultimately
troubling.
- Julie Pannuto
The Greek system, though tied to the University, is an
independent organization and as such the University must not use
coercive tactics to control it. It is troubling indeed when the
University tries to limit membership and control the admittance
policies of student groups.
This proposed change seems to have been decided from on high by
those ostensibly here to serve us. Vice President of Student
Affairs E. Royster Harper may have students’ best interests
at heart, but this push to move Rush comes without significant
student input and seems to deny students the right to control their
own fate. Without student control, the question is left open: Is
the University acting out of the best interests of its students, or
is it more concerned about its own image?
This is not to suggest that the Greeks are without fault.
Indeed, the University’s stance is generally correct. Rush
would be better pushed back to winter term. This would allow
students more time to adjust to their new surroundings and find out
if they really want to belong to the Greek system. The problem is
not with the University’s aims, but its means. While the
University is perfectly within its rights to recommend the shift of
Rush, it goes too far when it attempts to impose this on the
Greeks.
The Greeks have often been their own worst enemy, and many would
accurately say that they partially brought this on themselves.
Recently the executive boards of the Interfraternity Council and
the Panhellenic Council created more embarrassment for the Greeks
after a drunken and debaucherous university sponsored meeting. If
Greeks want to convince the administration that they are
responsible and deserve to make their own decisions, perhaps it is
time for new leadership with a better commitment to bettering the
Greek system as a whole.
The University exists largely to serve students and teach them
to become better citizens. If University administrators think that
imposing a deferred Rush on Greeks sets a good example of
leadership, they are sadly mistaken. The Greeks are independent and
should control their own fate. Power should reside with students,
not bureaucrats.