Frat system in shambles

Michael Francisco

For a second year in a row I choose to risk my well-being by writing critically about the Greek system for the first issue of the year. Last year I pointed out the dichotomy between fraternity ideals and the reality of fraternity life. I challenged the fraternities to step up to the plate. A year later it appears they have struck out.
Despite many criticisms of my article, the fraternity reputation from last year shows that partying and “social” goals still come above the high and lofty paper tiger ideas. The Delts are now on suspension (likely indefinitely), minors were given MIPs at several parties last year, profanity-laced pickup songs were still used, and perhaps the most telling—numbers are down. Way down. When I entered Hillsdale College four years ago 30 percent of men were in the fraternity system. Now, that number is 9 percent.
Apparently I’m not the only one dissatisfied with Hillsdale’s fraternities.
I do not aim to discredit the philanthropy in which the Greek system engages; in fact, I applaud them on that front. Yet I do believe freshmen will soon learn that fraternity means partying and alcohol—not virtue, brotherhood and service.
Many freshmen have already learned that the fraternity system is about partying. The freshman mixer was held at the Roxy. Several people told me that freshmen were drinking. But even if you are idealistic enough to think freshmen didn’t drink, the very fact that the mixer was held at an alcohol-focused establishment speaks volumes about the fraternity system.
Furthermore, despite the strict new rules (which I will address below) freshmen are still going to fraternity houses and getting drunk. Resident advisers have verified this fact. The continued focus on partying and drinking in the fraternities is a serious problem. Everyone save for the fraternities themselves sees the problem. Independents who choose not to become part of the system know, and as the new rules indicate, the school administration knows.
One senior who graduated last year told me he witnessed freshmen drinking on the ATO lawn the first few weeks of school all four years he was here. Last year he finally decided to do something, and he discussed the issue with the dean of men, the chaplain, and even President Larry Arnn. Each administrative official told him they were aware of the problem and were working to fix it.
That’s just it, the administration, not the fraternities themselves, are working to fix the problem. The fraternities should ensure that freshmen are not continually getting drunk and freshman women are not taken advantage of.
If the Greek system truly stands for their principles and ideals—if they are serious about a spirit of brotherhood—then I contend that the school should not need to create restrictive rules.
I’m sure the rules as they stand now are not perfect, but at least they are addressing the problem. The fraternities have shown that without the guidance of the administration, guidance that many of them resent, they cannot live up to the standards of the school. For a second year, I again challenge the fraternities to live up to the image they create for themselves.
The College’s fraternity system may not need to be abandoned altogether, as I suggested last year, but there is no doubt that this sick and struggling creature is in serious need of change—or fraternity members may soon be outnumbered by the eagle statues around campus.

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