It’s all Greek to me and maybe it shouldn’t be
Photo credit: Briana Mcdaniel
Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect funds spent on dues.
When media depicts college, typically the Greek system is right up there with wacky philosophy professors and toga parties.
Every year hundreds of men and women at Chico State dedicate a week of their life to impress older students in various houses to be chosen to be a part of a “sisterhood” and “brotherhood” during Recruitment.
They shouldn’t.
The Greek system is completely outdated and has very little benefit to students in the short-term and definitely has very little benefit to the university as a whole now.
At their origin, the Greek system was developed as a way for men (because women weren’t allowed to go to college yet) to get together and discuss politics, books and other things that weren’t allowed in their curriculum.
Later on the fraternity and sorority system became more organized. Graduates would be major donors for the university and being apart of these organizations was a great networking opportunity for graduates and was a prestigious honor.
That all seems to have gone out the window.
Yes, all of the recognized sororities and fraternities are involved in specific charities that they donate to or do various volunteer activities for but they seem to be few and far between.
I hear Greek members complaining about the various activities they are mandated to participate most of the time.
Actually, there seems to be a lot of complaints from sorority and fraternity members all over the board.
These students are paying $2,570 on average a year in dues to fund a house they probably won’t live in, to go to an overfunded “adult prom” and to socialize with people they end up arguing with.
The university has been hard at work trying to mend the long-standing party reputation and serious ground really won’t be covered with a Greek system affiliated with it.
The Greek system at Chico State has been a long train of troubles for the university.
Chico State gained national attention in 2005 because of a hazing scandal that took a tragic turn. Matthew Carrington and a fellow pledge were forced to chug water for five straight hours while being doused with freezing cold air. Carrington died from the experience.
Currently, two Chico State recognized fraternities are on probation and one is suspended for hazing.
There are a lot of people that argue that the Greek system is important for students to gain lifelong friends and networking contacts.
Yet, with the great invention of Linkedin and every other social media site and regular clubs that align with specific interests and goals, I have the exact same possibilities open to me—just with lot more cash in my pocket and less drama in my life.
When I started at Chico State, before all my friends had attached themselves to Greek letters, I loved how inclusive everything was. Everyone was welcome, everyone’s stories were encouraged to be heard.
It seems like Chico has gone completely Greek. Houses with prime real estate are only passed down to the worthy “brothers” and “sisters” and to attend a party you have to be in the right Greek House.
The Greek system has developed an Animal House-like debauchery—without the charming antidotes of the Delta Tau Chi boys and that epic John Belushi speech of course— so maybe it’s time to ax the exclusive organizations and walk through the Gauntlet worry-free.
Whitney Urmann can be reached at [email protected] or @WhitneyUrmann on Twitter.
Lana Goddu // Sep 30, 2016 at 2:48 pm
also, anyone who disagrees with me should read this!
https://www.amazon.com/Pledged-Secret-Sororities-Alexandra-Robbins/dp/0786888598
Lana Goddu // Sep 30, 2016 at 2:45 pm
love and fully support this article!!!! ~*antigreek fo lyfe*~
James // Sep 29, 2016 at 7:45 pm
I’m applaud you for speaking your mind in public. This is not great journalism not the writing but because this is attack to an organization that belongs to your own school! And your facts are completely wrong. Matt died over ten years ago– and his fraternity was not affiliated with the university. And bringing up his dead after eleven years is awful and disrespectful to his family. There’s been deads in frats, and sororities-unfortunately accidents happened. People don’t have to be reminded about this stuff. Also, the finances regarding dues and rush are wrong. Seriously, you can do better than this–Well at least you are now famous within Greek system! One last thing, you should write something worth reading! There’s a lot local issues you can write about. Enjoy college! Have fun! Just don’t be a bully! #greeklivesmatter
nicholas // Sep 29, 2016 at 2:42 pm
I wasn’t going to add to the fire of this article but after hearing your radio interview and looking at your twitter I had to speak up.
First off I would love to hear where you came up with the average spending annually for dues, because that number is extremely far from my dues or any of my friends dues of other greek organizations. Also if you spend 3 YEARS writing this article I would expect more facts that pertain to the Chico state greeks, and not facts I could find on wiki and google in one afternoon.
Secondly, your hashtag on your post aggravates me and i’m certain it would aggravate african americans across the country. Trying to tie the #blacklivesmatter with #greeklivesmatter is HORRIBLE. This twitter post is offensive that you would compare the two to try and respond to the aggressiveness you have received. Granted you should not have to deal with hate mail and people threatening you but to relate this to such a movement that has actually cost multiple people their lives amazes me.
People are going to be upset when you attack them with such petty assumptions like we go to an “adult prom” with people that we are going to argue with. Of course people are going to be upset with you when you come at them and generalize all greeks like that! Generalizations and stereotypes don’t do anything positive across the board wether it be greeks, race, gender, what have you. Please if you are going to write an article like this don’t generalize us as a group and get more facts that you can support your statements with.
I am very glad that you wrote this article though, it reinforces my love for why #iamgreek
Anonymous // Sep 29, 2016 at 12:18 pm
The fact that the author is getting so much hate for this piece only further proves her point. Also, if you listened to the Q&A with her on KCSC yesterday, she had much stronger arguments than the Greek representatives that spoke with her.
Gabby // Sep 29, 2016 at 10:49 am
If you believe the article is bashing Greek life, then your response is doing the same by bashing on the Orion. I was an active member in a sorority for a year and a half then recently dropped, or became inactive. And from the perspective of being on both sides (Greek and “ex-Greek”), Greek life had its pros, such as connecting and meeting great people that may result in a short or long-term relationships. It also had its cons of lack of true bonding, as it seemed like conversations were solely about Greek-related stuff, which can overcome discussions of actually getting to know who they are as a person. I do not regret joining a sorority at all, but I am personally living better without it. Whitney’s article is simply voicing her opinion without the intention of fame, as the whole purpose of the opinion section is to express your views. I do believe the article attacks the Greek system by looking down upon its image rather than appreciating its work and contributions toward the community. But she has mentioned some points I can agree on, such as the high expense and high attachment to Greek letters. Judgement can play a high role in this particular system, but that goes for anything else, as one can admit it’s a bad, natural habit. I just want to leave off with that Greek life is not for everyone, and you really don’t know if it’s for you unless you try it. Greek life provides many benefits that many people seem to underestimate or not quite fully comprehend. But also, the Orion informs us with current news of our surroundings that are valuable and grow in our knowledge.
Marie // Sep 29, 2016 at 8:15 am
Honestly, the whole “recruitment” process does strike me as creepy, and the fact that all the Greek students make it impossible to walk through campus during that week is annoying. I’ve never liked the concept of frats and sororities either, and it’s amazing how much they’re proving your point with all the backlash you’re getting. If they really wanted to prove you wrong, you’d think they’d make an effort to be respectful. Sorry you have to deal with the backlash, you did nothing wrong.
Anonymous // Sep 29, 2016 at 11:30 am
It’s not backlash, it’s supporting our family that we all became apart of. Sisterhood and brotherhood are real and from an outside perspective I could see how you would not believe that, but it is. Ms. urmann is threatening our family’s by attacking them and claiming statements that are just flat out wrong. Did she really expect all the Greeks to be happy about the things she is saying? Obviously we are going to be offended by this article and stand up for what we believe in. We joined Greek life not to be better than everyone but to better ourselves. Going Greek was the BEST choice I have made in college and I have gained 150 new sisters in the process.
Marie // Sep 29, 2016 at 3:46 pm
When the author is being personally attacked for her opinion, I’d call that backlash. You can be offended and still respond respectfully. However, many people who are hurt or offended by her opinion (which, by the way, is just an opinion and no one is forcing Greek members to listen or pay attention) are doing more than just respectfully disagreeing. They have been aggressive and outright rude, not at all the respectful people they want to show Greek people to be. She is not “attacking your family,” she is voicing her opinion on Greek life as a whole. Maybe you’re thrilled about Greek life and what it’s done for you, but no one is obligated to share your opinion or stay silent about theirs.
ΔΨΔ // Sep 29, 2016 at 12:06 am
Honestly all this Greek Life talk get me HOT! Im sick of these fake “wanna be” “brotherhoods” and “sisterhoods”. Rush Delta Psi Delta!
ΔΨΔ
Anonymous // Sep 30, 2016 at 11:45 am
No one wants to join, associate or set foot on the property of delta psi delta. You guys are a major part of the reason fraternity’s at our school get reputations involving drugs and sexual assault. #dirtypsi
Anonymous // Nov 10, 2016 at 6:02 pm
I am a member of Delta Psi Delta and believing that we contribute in sexual assault is very small minded. If you ever actually stopped by and met someone there you would realize that the rumors are simply that, rumors. It is not us that keeps the reputation going, it is people like you attempting to bring us down. If anyone was to commit such a terrible crime I would get the person arrested myself.
Kevin // Sep 28, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Sounds like someone didn’t get a bid.
Socrates // Sep 28, 2016 at 4:44 pm
The greek system has been around longer than your silly newspaper. I for one have written countless articles which have been the basis of science, math and philosophy for thousands of years. We have only the best intentions of creating a better more intelligent world.
“True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.”
-Me
Aristotle // Sep 28, 2016 at 10:56 pm
Hell ya brother.
Eric Scholer // Sep 28, 2016 at 1:03 pm
As a graduate from 2005 and a member of a Chico fraternity, the timing seems about right as this article comes out every year after rush. Fortunately, I had a positive experience at Chico and have continued to stayed involved with my fraternity.
What I have learned from this experience is it is not necessarily the students that are the problem but the lack of support the University provides. We hold Greeks to a higher standard but I am sure Delta Sigma Pi (business co-ed fraternity) is still doing line ups on Sunday in front of Glenn Hall with their pledges. I’m sure I only need to mention the rugby team by name for eyes to start rolling but help me understand how Greeks are the problem when the University allows other student groups to haze, throw open parties and break rules but they don’t get kicked off campus or loose University recognition. When is someone going to stop blaming the 18-22 year olds and start blaming the adult staff that allow this to happen?
Rather than recycling the same opinion story, it would be great to see some investigative journalism into the support or lack of it that the University provides to Greeks. It would be interesting to read about the double standards for Greek student orgs vs their peer groups. It would be interesting to read about the University’s approach to hazing or managing risk with student groups to see if it is even working. It would be great to read an article comparing and contrasting Chico’s 1980 model of advising Greeks with another campus or two.
I’m not saying Greeks aren’t to blame but at some point we need to try a different angel than the one that has been used for 20 years, because it clearly isn’t working. I’m not saying the community is perfect, it is far from it but identify the why and use that as a lead.
Tiffany // Sep 28, 2016 at 10:37 am
This is your opinion piece and that’s great that you are going against the grain. Interesting and bold
Marley Meredith // Sep 28, 2016 at 4:04 am
How do you logically jump from “The Greek system is completely outdated” to “It seems like Chico has gone completely Greek.”? This article is poorly written, and in future articles if you want to have a conversation about something you should avoid sounding like a complete outsider with no knowledge of the subject. Please do more research next time you voice such strong opinion publicly. As long as we can organize freely there will be exclusive organizations, likely built around excluding ignoramuses such as yourself. It’s laughable to think the gauntlet will ever be free from Greek organizations advertising while the campus police have a hard time stopping a lone skateboarder from disobeying the rules.
-Marley Meredith
Bryan // Sep 27, 2016 at 9:42 pm
“Charming antidotes”….. you mean anecdotes…? The bad grammar and unfounded statements in this article are evidence that the author as no business publishing work of any kind. The figure for dues paid by greek members was even subtly changed after being shown to be inaccurate. I can appreciate the fact that this is an opinion article, which doesn’t require the credibility or skill of other types of articles, but this is just abysmal.
Ms. Urmann needs to do more reasearch on the topic, because greek life at Chico State has been on the uptick in the last several years. Community leaders will back this up; Even the chief of police and the fire chief. If she took the time to do any kind of research, she would already know this. That’s just too much to ask for a “journalist” these days I guess.
If the goal was to out a significant portion of the Chico State student body, make yourself look intolerant, and appear close-minded; she succeeded.
Anonymous // Sep 27, 2016 at 9:01 pm
Let be honest here, do not try to make Greek Life seem like a huge deal. Let’s be real here, most of us joined Greek Life because of how social media portrays it. I personally joined them for the parties. Although, we do little to none of community service, and make long lasting friendship, so does the other 15,000 thousand students in Chico who are not affiliated in Greek Life. We all work, volunteer, do homework you name it and yes we do not get recognized for the majority of the things we do. But that is the price I am willing to pay. for that bad reputation Greek Life has and always will have. There is no reason to be angry at this article because it is true. The only thing we can say about Greek Life is that it is not for everyone. Only those who are mentally and physically strong are able to wear those letters. We pride are self with those letter and only we understand what it takes to wear them. That explains why we do not let any random person into the social events we host because they did not go through the process.
Rio Gardner // Sep 27, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Every year an article bashing Greek life is published by the Orion at the start of the semester right on cue. I have come to realize that clearly the Orion publishes these uneducated, unfactual, poorly written articles because it draws huge attention and publicity knowing the overwhelming amount of students who take part in Greek life. It’s a poor attempt at putting the Orion back on the map for approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy your 10 minutes of fame.
James Groh // Sep 27, 2016 at 7:07 pm
First amendment at its finest. Sparking debate and riling up the masses. You go and don’t let these people get you down. Opinion pieces are supposed to do this. That’s why it’s in the opinion section. Someone should write to the editor in response. That would be an effective response. Leave it to Plenke to get the people going, first amendment absolutism ftw!
Greek Life As A Whole // Sep 27, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Our current presidential candidates speak more truth than this article.
Sophie // Sep 27, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Hi I’m a proud Chico State alumn and my involvement in Greek Life not only gave me the chance to meet incredibly smart, caring and hilarious friends but also connections in order to land an internship turned career (real life connections to human beings is not equivalent to having a Linknd profile…?). Of course Chico State is an amazing experience whether you’re in a sorority/fraternity or not, but what’s the point in talking down these amazing men and women when you haven’t even had a first hand experience with Greek Life.
Alexandra Dooley // Sep 27, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Yikes.
Everyone // Sep 27, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Alpha phi is the hottest sorority
Richard Philbrook // Sep 27, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Very proud of my sorority daughter and Sigma Kappa. I am coming to father daughter weekend in a few days and would love to debate this so-called writer of distortion. Hard to believe this person in interested in public relations.
Richard Philbrook // Sep 27, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Very proud of my sorority daughter and Sigma Kappa. I am coming to father daughter weekend in a few days and would love to debate these two so-called writers of distortion.
Ridiculous // Sep 27, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Given that this does exist in the opinion section of this website, I’ll go a little easy here…
This is a poorly written, shamelessly inventive, and complete argument from emotion that is 300% wrong.
My organization has built my entire life, developed my social and professional skills to a place I could have never hoped they would reach, and given me a true brotherhood.
You air quoting “brothers” and “sisters” is a disgrace, much like the completely unfounded slander all over this piece.
Kayla // Sep 27, 2016 at 3:19 pm
LOL same story new year. I graduated in 2014 and the university hated Greek life back then. Most of my professional connections in post grad life have come from my sorority and I remain best friends with several of the girls I met in my chapter.
Anonymous // Sep 27, 2016 at 10:15 pm
Don’t you work at the gym???
Charles Scott Plamondon // Sep 27, 2016 at 3:07 pm
This article is completely inaccurate! I am not even a student or in greek at Chico, but I am a student at Washington State Univ., I am a greek member here and have friends and family in greek at Chico. This obviously biased article is an unfair and inaccurate account of how the greek system actually works and why it was established many years ago. You write, “Later on the fraternity and sorority system became more organized. Graduates would be major donors for the university and being apart of these organizations was a great networking opportunity for graduates and was a prestigious honor.” This is true however, you follow this by saying, “That all seems to have gone out the window.” This is just not true! Many members of greek life are more involved at their respected universities much longer then those who did not have a connection to greek while they were in school. Along with that its not just about parties or “adult proms” like you said. Greek life nationwide raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local and national charities and communities. Much more then you ever will if I may say. If you are going to write an inaccurate and unfair article about greek life then maybe you should get accurate information on how the system actually works instead of guessing and speculating. Be a real journalist and do proper research before you write your next article.
Kim // Sep 27, 2016 at 3:01 pm
First of all, I know this post from the Orion isn’t the same mindset that everyone has on campus, but being that it’s affiliated with our university I have to say I’m disappointed in the lack of acceptance and discouraging comments about the Greek system. You talk about how you loved how inclusive everything was yet you’re putting us on the outside? Have you ever took the time to talk to other members of Greek life or simply said hello to one of us as we walk by? Probably not because you are already judging every single one of us. That’s disheartening.
People work extremely hard not only on their academics but also on who they are as a person as well. Sororities do hold themselves to higher standards and whether you’d like to believe it or not, not all sororities/fraternities resemble what you see in movies. I agree there have been issues in Greek life and what happened in 2005 was a serious tragedy. The system has changed (especially at our school) so much within the past 11 years. I’m not saying it’s perfect and there are still members who make mistakes, but it’s disrespectful to the people who strive for greatness by say it’s all about partying.
Before recruitment we were just like everyone else on campus and just because we proudly wear our letters now doesn’t mean we aren’t still like everyone else. We still interact with other people, we still work hard on academics and we still hold jobs and positions on campus.
I will never not be proud of my decision to be in my sorority that is full of talented, loyal, independent, hardworking, respectful and determined women and I definitely won’t let someone like you try to belittle us or make us feel like we are in the wrong for being proud to wear our letters around campus.
Kyle // Sep 27, 2016 at 2:54 pm
I am also an active member of Greek life here at Chico State. The fraternity I belong to strongly promotes being involved on campus. Out of over 90 active and associate members, over 90% are involved with another club or organization on campus. We require our members to complete 10 hours of community service or volunteer work each semester, with many going above and beyond that number. We donate thousands of pounds of food and are involved in various philanthropy events on campus and in the community each year. We also have the highest GPA of any Greek organization, social or Greek, on campus. I am not saying this to brag, but to prove there are fraternities and sororities on campus that are doing good things for our community. We are not the only ones. Yes we like to party, but we take our school work and involvement in campus life and our community seriously. I don’t disagree that there are a few bad apples that deserved to be picked, but I think tearing down the whole tree for having a few bad apples is a slippery slope.
Kyle // Sep 27, 2016 at 5:17 pm
highest GPA of a Greek organization, social or business*, on campus
Grace // Sep 27, 2016 at 2:49 pm
It saddens me that the Orion, which I used to hold respect for, would allow an article to be published based 100% on misconceptions perpetuated by stereotypes and other fiction.
Students do not join Greek Life to “party”– simply put, if they wanted to do that, they could easily do it on their own. Students join Greek Life because they have a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Greek Life is about having a built-in family on campus, who pushes you to be your best academically and morally. Greek Life is about networking and making connections that could affect your career in the future. Greek Life is about meeting people you never would have otherwise had the opportunity to become close to and supporting one another through thick and thin.
This article is inaccurate on all points. Philanthropy events are not “few and far between,” they are carefully planned and prepared for throughout the year. Dues are not as high as the authors of this article may lead you to believe. And I’m sorry but if you are so far off from reality that you think you will foster lifelong friendships from connections made on LinkedIn… good luck to you.
I’d think twice before disrespecting nationally and internationally accredited organizations that contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to important charities every year. I encourage you to actually reach out and meet Greek students, rather than basing your judgements off of Lizzie McGuire movies.
Randinator // Sep 27, 2016 at 2:19 pm
Very horribly written article with mere opinions instead of facts. I’m astounded that they even let you publish this article. Do some research about the facts of greek life (or maybe get a bid) and you’ll realize that dues are about $1000 (not $4000) a year, the greek community gives back to the city of Chico through numerous community service events, and linkedin won’t get you nearly as far as an alumni will.
Sandra D // Sep 29, 2016 at 8:22 am
You realize it’s called an “opinion piece” for a reason, right?
Rachel Ballard // Sep 27, 2016 at 2:18 pm
This is another example of The Orion’s lazy and uneducated writing. I’ve heard more people complain about how simplistic and dull this “paper” is than complaints about greek life. Personally I have never met one person who thinks about The Orion in a positive way.
I disregarded this “newspaper” long before I was a member of greek life. If you like thoughtful developed writing, look elsewhere.
Alexandra Dooley // Sep 27, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Oooh kill em Rachel!
Steven Loya // Sep 27, 2016 at 2:07 pm
Coming from a current full time staff member at Chico State, I am very disappointed in this article. I understand it is an opinion piece and the beauty of this country and this campus is that we are free to speak our minds. However, completely alienating almost 2,000 out of over 17,000 students on campus doesn’t seem like a great thing to do.
I understand the Greek system more than most and am coming at this from both angles. As an undergraduate, I started a Greek Organization on campus. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and leave a legacy on this campus. During my time in Greek life, I put on Chico States first ever anti hazing week and won a national award for those efforts.
No one who is thinking critically can deny that there have been some major issues that have plagued the Greek community not only here in this campus, but across the county. But just as not all cops are bad, not all Greeks are bad either. There are bad things that have happened in other areas of student life and leadership across campus but it seems more often than not it’s only a major issue if the Greeks are doing it. Specifically when it comes to hazing. This is absolutely not ok! But if anyone thinks this is just a thing that happens in Greek life across campuses, you should do your research. It is not ok to blame the actions of a few on an entire group of thousands of people on campus. Do Greeks party and make mistakes? Absolutely. Do they do it more than any other group on campus? No. The only difference is, they are clumped in a big group and have more name recognition, so it’s easier for people to place blame on them.
Most of this opinion piece is written out of a lack of understanding, so it doesn’t bother me much. What does bother be is the belittling of Greek Life’s accomplishments, especially when it comes to their philanthropic work. Every single recognized Greek organization has a national philanthropy that they support and often times do much more than just that. They are raising thousands of dollars and giving tons of time to these causes. Let’s just assume that this article is correct and everyone in Greek Life feels “forced” to do these things. Even if that were true, it’s still being done. And that’s more that a lot of other groups on campus can say.
Last year, the university launched our newest program, the Student Philanthropy Council. You can check it out at http://www.csuchico.edu/spc . We challenged student organizations to get 100% certified, which is where every single individual member of your organization gives back financial support ($5 or less each) to support Chico state student programs and academic success. Out of all the organizations that took this plunge, the vast majority of them were Greek organizations, and it wasn’t even close. And they were by no means forced.
Again, I understand that this is an opinion piece and everyone has a right to their view. Here is my view. To any student out there who is a part of any organization, Greek or otherwise, it is not fair that you are blamed for the mistakes of a few bad apples. Although I do not speak officially for the university by any means, as a full time staff member, know that I and the majority of other faculty and staff support you and appreciate all that you do to make this place the vibrant and diverse community that it is. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous // Sep 27, 2016 at 8:45 pm
I am confuse on that one part where you eloquently say “during my time in Greek life, I put on Chico States first ever anti hazing week and won a national award for those efforts.” However, this can be interpreted in many way. The way I look at it you are basically saying that for one week you do not haze and the rest of the weeks you do. How do you explain the reason why so many people drop mid way during their process?
Steven Loya // Oct 1, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Dear anonymous,
I didn’t think this took any further explanation. That’s like saying that when we celebrate breast cancer awareness month, we are only against cancer that one month and all the other 11 months we encourage it. Come on now. It was a nationally recognized week where we spread awareness about hazing and how we don’t accept it as a Greek community or a campus. Until this comment, I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about it.
How do I explain the reason people drop? A million ways. You name it. Number one, if anyone’s being hazed, not only should they drop, they should report it immediately. Anyone who’s condones hazing is not representing what Greek life should stand for and should be held fully accountable and disciplined accordingly. Again, I was one of 5 people selected in the nation in 2009 for being an advocate for anti-hazing efforts so you’re barking up the wrong tree.
People could drop because they can’t afford it, because they don’t have the time, because they aren’t fitting in with the members of the organization, because they don’t like it like they hoped they would, etc. No different than people dropping from any other club on campus. So respectfully Mr. or Mrs. Annonymous, I really don’t see your point.
J Farrington // Sep 27, 2016 at 11:00 pm
When was the last time a history club killed anyone with hazing? When was the last time a cycling club was accused of body shaming? I’m going to go with: never. One death is too many. One sexual assault is TOO MANY.
At one time, Greek Life may have lived up to your standards. But there is a reason that you won an award. You were unusual in your goals and your excellence – please recognize that.
As for your claim that ‘at least something is being done’ in the way of philanthropy, which has long been touted as the final saving grace of Greek Life – many clubs are committed to community service, and they don’t have half the issues that seem to plague campuses with Greek Life.
I feel grateful to have gone to a campus that protected its students from Greek life, a campus that recognized that ‘community and philanthropy’ could never outweigh (or outpay) the safety of students.
Steven Loya // Oct 1, 2016 at 9:32 pm
J Farrington,
I don’t know what to tell you other than you are absolutely 100% dead wrong. Do your research. Have Greeks had an unfortunate history of hazing, deaths, and other things? Absolutely. It’s a damn shame because there are a vast majority of them who are truly doing the right thing.
Again, I was one of 5 people selected nationally in 2009 by the Hank Nuwer Foundation for being an Anti-Hazing Advocate. And let me tell you again, all of those issues you stated above trying to pin directly on just Greek like prove my point about this opinion piece. You are just completely wrong.
Where do I even begin. What about the 2002 hazing incident that happened with the University of North Carolina Soccer team that almost lead to a near death incident? How about the 2006 Duke Lacrosse team and the whole rape scandal? How about the 2015 Florida A&M Band Hazing Death? And what about the death that this year in 2016 that resulted from previous hazing incidents from a drill instructor in the US Marine Corps with a Muslim woman?
You see, these are just a few high profile incidents I can think of off the top of my head, none of them involving Greek life. Am I condoning what the terrible actions of some of these fraternities and sororities? Absolutely not. I hope they got punished to the full extent of the law and they deserved what they got. But please, to say “Tell me when the last time a club besides Greeks have done one of those things…I’m going to go with Never” is absolutely ignorant. Do your research. You’re telling me there has never been a club besides Greeks who have ever body shamed someone? It’s hard for me to even take this comment seriously honestly.
And you’re probably right, of course other organizations don’t have half the issues Greeks have. They’re completely different organizations. But I promise you, they have other problems that Greeks don’t have.
I feel greatful to have gone to a campus that preaches equality and acceptance. Let’s build bridges not walls. Name a time in history that lumping the terrible actions of a few to a whole group of people has ever paid off? It hasn’t. Because that’s what you call ignorance my friend. Safety of our students should be the absolute top priority. We agree.
Steven Loya // Oct 1, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Sorry for the few grammar mistakes, was typing fast on my phone!
PS – Whitney, even though we disagree, thanks for starting the discussion. It’s not about right or wrong, it’s about clearing the air and solving misconceptions on both ends. Civil discourse is something that we need more of.
2001 Graduate // Jun 19, 2017 at 9:16 am
Steven. You need to grow up. Stop clinging around college life. Do what most college grads do. Grow up and get a real job. I understand you liked college life so much that you don’t want it to end. Do you get s job on campus that probably pays no more than $39,000 a year.
Grow up. You’re done with school. It’s over.
Elizabeth // Sep 27, 2016 at 12:58 pm
I am an active member of Greek life here on campus and I would like to say that the greek community makes up for about 3,000 students here on campus.We do events such as a WEEK long philanthropy based event (Greek Week) and get little to NO recognition from the university. During these events we put in hours and hours of work along with going to class, studying, going to other clubs, working, ect. We get it, mistakes were made in the past. However, active Panhellenic women are striving every single day to change this stigma and it is articles like this that put down on of the biggest groups of students here on campus. I understand that greek life is not for everyone, but we do other things besides pay “$4,000 dollars to go to adult prom” (dues aren’t even that much first of all). We have standards and GPA REQUIREMENTS for every member and encourage our members to get involved in everything in here on campus. If people are going to complain about Greek Life they do not have to stay in it. Frankly I am sick of being judged because I go to parties just like every single college student. P.s thank you for the animalhouse hashtag, super thoughtful.
Jack // Sep 27, 2016 at 8:23 pm
Week long philanthropy that you don’t want to do and get drunk beforehand. Can’t remember the last time I heard someone go sober to a philanthropy event.
YAS // Sep 29, 2016 at 11:21 am
A sorority just held a philanthropy event and I am proud to say that since it was at 11 am MOST of the people that attended were 100% sober.
Cause you know everything // Oct 1, 2016 at 7:36 pm
As a sorority we HAVE to be sober during Greek week. We take this time seriously and focus on this week and putting time into volunteering. I’m pretty sure unless you were pretty messed up, no one attends the Breast cancer walk drunk. Our sorority takes it seriously and if you are caught with alcohol there are consequences.
Ellie Ramone // Sep 29, 2016 at 10:22 am
Did you not read the entire article? Animal House is a movie that she references at the end.
Scav // Sep 29, 2016 at 5:01 pm
the entire greek system comes across as an delusional mostly-failed attempt at brainwashing. i admit that i speak only from my own experience, but everyone i know who has joined a fraternity or sorority went in and came out as the exact same person, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all.
however, the problem that many people see with greek life is the nationalistic mob-mentality that comes with being in any sort of organization. people read this article as a personal attack, rather than an indictment of the system as a whole, and i think that reaction itself is a microcosm of the greek system.
to be honest, i’m a little surprised the author didn’t touch on the elephant in the room, which is the massive influence that fraternities in particular have on rape culture.
massive to the tune of frats intentionally devising ways to “lure your rapebait,” and a fraternity literally nicknamed “The Rape Factory.”
i’m not saying that chico greeks do this, but i can’t deny it either.