Published 2009-02-24T00:00:00Z”/>

In last week’s editorial we commended the Greeks for trying to present a more mature image during “recruitment – not rush – week” and encouraged students to see fraternities and sororities as more than drunken revelry.

Freshman Bethany Dixon, 18, was hospitalized late Thursday night for severe alcohol poisoning while reportedly attending Sigma Kappa event. The editorial board joins students and faculty in a collective shameful bowed head and bruised sense of trust.

“This is a disappointing setback in the progress the Greeks have been making at our University,” President Paul Zingg said in Evan Burt and Elizabeth Varin’s A-1 article.

We were more than willing to give the fraternities and sororities a chance to show they’re serious about changing their collective image. Maybe not stopping drinking all together, but at least making it safer. So much for that idea.

Unfortunately this one woman’s bad decision, and this one sorority’s lack of responsibility, reflects poorly on the entire Greek system, and consequences may be severe and far-reaching.

As Zingg looks into the possible implications of Dixon’s underage drinking, the Greeks have remained tight-lipped with press. The Orion has been accused of holding negative bias toward Greeks, but with the president, police and Judicial Affairs more than willing to talk, the Greeks are left wanting.

This is the time when Intrafraternity and Panahellic councils should take an even stronger stance against drinking, not hide behind silence and vague statements.

However, this situation could have turned out like Matthew Carrington’s, a pledge who died of water intoxication during a rush event in 2005; the fraternity was worried more about its reputation than his life. Dixon could have died, but luckily her friends did the right thing – they got help in time.

Yes, outside the Greek system, students will party dangerously, but these organizations should be expect to be in the spotlight.

The focus should be less on punishing Sigma Kappa and more about reiterating responsibility for all drinkers.

Greeks should be scorned for condoning drinking, but not for encouraging reporting.

Life is worth more than the Greeks’ reputation.

<strong>Editorial Board</strong>Nicole Williams, Managing EditorEvan Burt, News EditorJen Siino, Opinion EditorNatalia Ferruggia, Sports EditorEric Wendt, Entertainment EditorSonja Kydd, Features EditorJessica Stevens, Photo EditorJulian Williamson, Chief Copy EditorElizabeth Varin, Online EditorRodolfo Vazquez, Video Editor