uga police, news blame wrong fraternity in drunken debacle

Greeks are used to standing together or falling apart, but the local Chi Phi and Chi Psi at the University of Georgia are taking it to an extreme. Chi Psi apparently threw a party Saturday, a party at which underage drinking was allegedly taking place, evidenced particularly vividly by two separate arrests of partygoers after leaving the premises, one for public urination that led to the discovery of underage drinking and marijuana possession, and the the other occasioned when the suspect leaped in front of the arresting officer's car.

And yet the police described the person to whom they spoke from the fraternity as the Chi Phi president, and attributed the party to his fraternity—this despite the fact that Chi Phi is located a mile from the Chi Psi house. Police documents are inconsistent: the interviewee is presumabyl wrongly identified as the Chi Phi president, while the arrest location is given as the Chi Psi house, and yet the narrative is written as though it took place at the Chi Phi house. Uncontroverted, apparently, is that Chi Phi did absolutely nothing wrong, other than have a simialr name of the offending fraternity.

The police mistakes were compounded when local newspapers picked up the story, evidently withough any fact-checking whatsoever. "The article quotes me as walking to the officer and talking to him, I wasn't even in Athens that night. I was back in Atlanta with my family. They never contacted me about the article or what was said," explained Chi Phi's president. Their vice president seemed in a forgiving mood: ""We understand that the Greek letters are easily confused. But we are just glad our name is being cleared."

Actually, that remains to be seen. "The Greek Life office said they were investigating the claims, but were awaiting police reports," reported the UGa Red & Black.

UGa Red & Black

αφα alum invites nphc greek advocacy at umkc

Dr Lawrence Ross, Jr has an important message for greeks at the University of Missouri at Kansas City: keep up the good work, and always try yet harder. He was lecturing to an engaged crowd on his history of NPHC greeks cum college biography, "The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities." He leavened the dryer bits with personal anecodtes about his own search for belonging and meaning in college as a pledge and brother of Alpha Phi Alpha. NPHC greeks represent some 1.5m members, thus comprising up to ten percent of the African-American population. That is a substantial cohort, and with the demographics, says Dr Ross, come responsibility: "Remember when you're initiated that you're a servant to the community, to move the African American community and the community in general forward." He described the pantheon of NPHC all-stars, invoking the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, and Dr WEB Du Bois, as well as the giving hospitality of black greeks living worlwide from South Korea to Ghana, before turning to what his student audience could do themselves.

He placed particular emphasis on showing the way forward to high school students who do not have and may not even conceptualize the opportunities UMKC students have in such abundance: "A lot of African American kids don't even think of college as an option. What [black] fraternities need to do is go do actual physical visits to high schools and do step shows to raise money for scholarship funds." Nor did his call to action fall on deaf ears. An undergrad Alpha Phi Alpha brother approved: "I really enjoyed coming here, [Dr. Ross] is a really good speaker and had some good insights."

UMKC University News

csulb δδδ hosts runway show for charity

Delta Delta Delta national has undertaken an audacious commitment: "10 in 10" for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or raising ten million dollars for the cause in ten years. Fewer than three years in, they are already over halfway there, notching up $5.6m nationwide. And the Tri-Delt at California State University, Long Beach is doing its part, hosting its annual runway show for the charity—for this year, they have racked up $6000 in contributions. A model from each sorority is asked to represente her group, and each struts her stuff on the catwalk modelling high-end jeans. The apparrel is conveniently available for purchase following the festivities. The event has become something of an icon, with sisters vying for the privilege. "All my girls are jealous," said the Sigma Kappa model.

Daily 49er

penn greek life targeted in meningitis quarantine

A meningitis scare has reared its ugly head once again, at the University of Pennsylvania, and this time it seems to be hitting greeks. Three students at Penn were affected, and the only common vector identified among all three was their affiliation with the greek system; at least two of the three lived in the Pi Kappa Alpha house. "As a precaution, the University of Pennsylvania decided to shut down the party scene and off-campus through the weekend. The cancellation applies to all gathering where significant interaction with food, drink, or intimate contact is likely," reports eFlux Media, a health news site. Question: "intimate contact"? Your correspondent accepts that an event can be readily assessed as involving food or drink, but how exactly is the university predicting which will lead to intimate contact? If it were that easy, many a lonely man on Valentine's Day would have a far easier time figuring which singles' nights to patronize. Penn also "urged anyone who had been to a fraternity or sorority event since Feb. 2 to visit health services," said the New York Times. Perhaps greek parties are ipso facto defined as events involving intimate contact? Or is the view that partygoers should generally get check-ups after subjecting themselves to greek houses? (Perhaps some of both.)

It should be emphasized that viral meningitis is no laughing matter. Flourishing most among closely-packed populations as are found at colleges, it can be potentialy fatal. Anyone with any reason to suspect he might be at risk should seek medical care immediately.

eFlux MediaDaily PennsylvanianN.Y. TimesPhiladelphia InquirerMSNBC

penn state bans swine sales after acacia pig roast

Pennsylvania State University is promulgating a new policy for its Swine Center after brothers of Acacia purchases, slaughtered, and roasted a hog for its pig roast. A university investigation ensued after concerns were raised that the animal was not killed humanely. Regardless of the outcome, however, the university is trying to head off concerns by barring students from obtaining any more live hogs. This despite admission than "there is a longstanding tradition in practice of these sales," said spokeswoman Annemarie Mountz, adding that pig roasts too were of ancient provenance.

As far as anyone can tell, no laws or policies were broken. The Swine Center had long sold livestock to students, farmers, and other locals, without any apparent uproar, and the municipality has no laws on the books regulating animal slaughters. In any case, students will now have to purchase pigs in meat form only through the Penn State Meats Laboratory, which unfortunately forecloses any further pig roasts. Why the university decided to change its policy against the weight of tradition is unclear.

Penn State Daily Collegian

kent state greeks look to religion for a new image

Kent State University (yes, that Kent State) greeks are looking to jettison the party-hearty image and get with a new crowd. Or maybe a new congregation. Participating members are teaming up The Dive, a student organization at Kent State representing the ubiquitous Campus Crusade for Christ, or CCC. An organizational meeting took place Tuesday, which sought to leverage the active memberships and social organization of all participants to create a more cohesive community.

The initiative is the be brainchild of the auspiciously named Mike Love, currently on the faculty at Kent State, an active participant in The Dive, and almunus of Delta Tau Delta. Easing greeks into the religious setting was key: "Greeks also like to hang out in big groups, so this is the perfect event," Mr Love said. Yes, greeks sure like to do that, or "flock," in the technical terminology.

The response is already strong. Delta Gamma housed the organizational meeting, which was hosted by members of Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Xi Delta. Several greeks said they are already involved in The Dive, and would welcome greater synergy among their groups. "We want to break barriers between The Dive and Greeks," explained Mr Love. "Greeks feel comfortable hanging out with Greeks, so this is a great way to attract people to our message." A Delta Tau Delta undergrad already involved in The Dive agreed that "this is a good time to hang out with fellow Greeks while hearing an awesome message." He probably meant "awesome" literally.

Kent News Net

smu κα suspension elicits varied responses

An article in the Southern Methodist University's Daily Campus surveys the widely varied responses to the university's decision to suspend the local Kappa Alpha Order. The general tenor of the colloquy was surprise—mostly at the suddenness of the action, but also that KA was singled out when other fraternities were guilty of equal if not greater infractions. Many commenters pointed to the local Sigma Alpha Epsilon as a greater threat to pledges and members:

I think they should have gotten kicked off. I mean they have a history hard drug use, numerous incidents of female students accusing them of abuse, had a kid almost overdose on drugs, an exhaustingly researched investigative article expose wide spread problems, and had a member tragically and fatally overdose in the fraternity house...oh wait that was SAE.

Most agreed that regardless of others' sins, KA was certainly worthy of expulsion, though Beta Theta Pi brother James Lucente thought they should have been given one more chance given that the spring rush had already ended and pledging was underway. The most poignant perspective was offered by the mother of a KA pledge whose admission has been rudely interrupted by the suspension: "A piece of college life he looked so forward to has been stripped away because of the actions of a few....and the decision of one." SMU has offered to place KA pledges with other fraternities, but that "seems like a crappy consolation," wrote Mr Lucente. And a Delta Delta Delta sister expressed sympathy for the dispossessed pledges, but espoused a "rules are rules" attitude.

SMU Daily Campus

newly launched facebook clone targets greeks

It has been tried before, and now it is being tried again: A Wharton sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania has launched a Facebook-like online networking site targetted at connecting greeks both within and among campuses. Andrew Dudum of Beta Theta Pi is the Zuckerberg of MyGreek.org, which has already attracted over 4000 greeks from across the country. "I had four different friends in four different fraternities in four different schools. I was shocked when I didn't find any networks like this," Mr Dudum explained. He funded the development and launch costs from his own reserves, and is pleased with progress thus far.

So too are greeks. The Penn greek office offered encouraging words without any official endorsement, while the Phi Gamma Delta president is an enthusiastic user and proponent. And, says Mr Dudum, "we've gotten tremendous reviews from IFC and chapter presidents across the nation." But he is not expecting any multi-billion dollar capitalizations anytime in the future. "I promised my dad I won't drop out of college," he admits.

Daily Pennsylvanian

facing adverse economy, u mich greeks take on costs to members

The tightening pursestrings in America are finally filtering down to fraternities at the University of Michigan. Though both the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils are reporting year-on-year increases in recruitment, they view the coming year as the acid test of the worsening financial outlook, while Director of the Office of Greek Life Mary Beth Seiler was "concerned that the recession will affect rush next fall."

Typically, chapters and nationals have healthy scholarship programs making funds available to members who are financially needy or metitorious of reward for academic or fraternal achievement. But freshman fall between the cracks, ineligible for such awards until their second year; while the university greek office lacks funding for such grants. And often fees for fraternities are sororities are at their highest for new membership. The Panhel lists fees for first-years ranging from $900 to a whopping $2300, while the IFC does not publicly reports its dues structures. The combination could prove a perfect storm to scare away potential rushes.

Ms Seiler still called the greek housing system a "bargain," pointing to the lower costs of room and board in sorority houses over comparable accomodations in university residence halls and meal plans—and the physical plant is a far more pleasant sight as well. But to bridge the gap in the meantime, the IFC is trying to organize scholarships for first-years, explained President Ari Perritz. But the stimulus package may not come soon enough for the fall. Some chapters, such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, are turning to recession profiteering, offering bribes financial aid to incoming freshmen—though ostensibly there are no strings attached. That seems unlikely in practice.

Michigan Daily

binghamton ταυ sponsors comedy prof

Seeking to distinguish itself from the pack, Tau Alpha Upsilon at Binghamton University in New York is bringing together students and faculty in a novel fashion: invite the former to the venue where the latter is performing. Professor Ryan Vaughan lectures in literature and creative writing, but has a recreational moonlight as a stand-up comedian. “Usually it’s not like this,” Prof Vaughan said. “I just pick a day and do a show in Lecture Hall 1.”

But with TAU's help, Prof Vaughan may be garnering a much larger audience. He will be performing February 12 at a local hookah bar, with a six-dollar admission at the door. For any fearing that an act hosted by an English professor might be a tad dry, Prof Vaughan promises to keep his humor "broad" and guarantees a funny show. Although the venue serves alcohol, “it’s not all about drinking,” said TAU Treasurer Patrick Socias. President Matthew Ring elaborated: "Not everyone is into the whole house party thing. Greek life has a pretty bad reputation and we want to show that it’s not all about having 400 scumbags at a party.”

Notwithstanding the fact that its president basically just said his chapter was full of scumbags, TAU is on to something here. Both Messrs Socias and Ring recommended taking one of Prof Vaughan's classes for more of the same, adding that “his whole class is like a stand-up act.” The perfect synergy of academic and recreational.

BU Pipe Dream

millikin editor has greek epiphany on road to damascus

Greek life isn't so different at Millikin University, a smallish college in rural Illinois. There are guys who rush right away, and there are those who remain aloof from greek life, like Assistant Arts Editor Joel Booster at the student paper, now nearly through his time at Millikin. In a bizarrely cinematic plot twist, his reverie of anti-greek prejudices was interrupted by an assignment from his editor straight out of Never Been Kissed (1999): to go undercover through fraternity rush and report on what goes on.

This being wholly cadged from Hollywood, Mr Booster went into the process fully expecting to garner ample exemplars of hypocrisies, debaucheries and inanities to pen an article reaffirming his long-held beliefs about the greek system. And yet, on the road to that dubious Damascus, Mr Booster found himself actually coming to respect the noble causes the fraternities were espousing. He discovered they had PowerPoint presentations for recruitment; he had fun at their parties, enjoyed his repartee with the brothers, and "began to realize that for these men, fraternity life was more than just chest bumps and beer kegs."

Of course, this brought on a full-fledged existential crisis ("internal journalistic crisis") with his original desire to write a "scathing review of all things greek" running square against his newfound admiration and appreciation of the actual men composing the greek system. "I obviously did not write the story I originally set out to write," he says as he wraps up the tale.

The Decaturian

new wvu approach sparks debate on college-owned greek houses

The Daily Athenæum of West Virginia University is hewing close to its motto ("Little good is acomplished without controversy, and no civic evil is ever defeated without publicity") in reporting on the rapid encroachment of university housing authorities onto the traditionally greek prerogative of property ownership. That is, WVU is gobbling up houses and then reletting them to fraternities, with more onerous restrictions attached. A lively debate has reportedly sprung up on the wisdom of this path.

Apologists for the university—and there are many—point to the squalid state of many pre-takeover properties, the financial uncertainty associated with a transitory organization such as a fraternity maintaining an expensive investment, and the sensible nature of the new regulations imposed on university-let housing. In this camp is Sigma Alpha Epsilon, whose president deems them "lucky to be in the house, so we follow rules closely," and professes openly to be the university's lapdog ("We are the pet project"). Beta Theta Pi, Pi Kappa Phi, Phi Gamma Delta and Sigma Alpha Mu have also come under university ownership in the last year.

Meanwhile, Theta Chi continues to operate outside of institutional oversight, with mixed results. “University-owned or leased fraternities has its pros and cons. It would be good, give us some security. We want to know that Theta Chi will be here next year.” He also averred that the house was not "up to code," an odd admission to a publicly-digested journal. Yet they are spared the constant "spot checks" by WVU police that Sigma Alpha Epsilon tries to put a cheery face on.

The otherwise interesting subject matter is hampered by the execrable rhtetoric of author Marli Riggs, who evidently feels transitional adverbs and segues are the work of the devil. Contradictions and incoherence abound. Consider the following, for example, and try to determine whether rules for fraternities compared to residence halls are (a) the exact same, (b) a little bit more flexible, (c) ultimately subject to new rules:

The rules and regulations of the owned or leased fraternity houses on campus follow the exact same rules as the resident halls, said Mayor Ron Justice, director of student organizations.

“Fraternities are a little bit more flexible,” he said. “No new rules are taking place soon.”

In any case, WVU's intitiative is hardly unprecedented; many if not most universities own a good portion of greek houses on their campus. But seeing the transition offers a valuable window into the benefits and losses.

WVU Daily Athenæum

forty-seven charged at busted usd δτδ party

Police were responding to a routine noise complaint around 10:30 on Saturday night when they came upon a distinctly non-routine sight: the Delta Tau Delta house at the University of South Dakota was evidently packed to the rafters and rocking hard. Plunging in after securing a warrant a little after midnight, police charged almost fifty partygoers with offenses including underage consumption of alcohol, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, maintaining a disorderly house, failure to obey a lawful order, false impersonation, and maintaining a place in violation of beverage law. Among others, both the president and vice president of Delta Tau Delta were arrested.

State's Attorney Teddi Gertsma explained that the laundry list of offenses were being taken very seriously: “The problem is you think it’s not a big deal when you go to these parties and drink, but that’s where we have the assaults. We have sexual assaults, we have fights. Property gets damaged. People get hurt and it’s more than just the alcohol, so we really have no tolerance.” Of course, there were no violent offenses of any kind charged at the Delta Tau Delta house, but it's the possibility that matters, one is led to think.

The bust takes its place as the largest since 2004, when 119 arrests were made at a fraternity party. KELO-TV reports that "police hope it doesn't label this community as a party town." But the comments on the article in the USD Volante make clear that these are hardly unusual events. Writes one poster dubbing himself "aggarvated student": "I would like some one to list 5 things an average student has available to them to entertain themselves. Sorry to bust on USD and the town of Vermillon but their really isnt much to offer for activities. I think this should be highly address before we start lossing our students due to the cops just busting up some fun."

USD VolanteKELO-TVSioux City Journal

legal duel between former φδθ and penn state metastasizes

The fraternity formerly known as Phi Delta Theta at Pennsylvania State University, now called the Phi Society, is still fighting vigorously to keep their house intact. Following up on previous reports, the chapter entered into their world of trouble when they were expelled by their national for an alcohol violation. Since all university-recognized greeks must be nationally-affiliated, the university duly derecognized them. And since their property was granted them on condition that it be used as a fraternity house, the school also moved to repurchase it. Legal swords were unsheathed for what promises to be lengthy and casuisitic battle.

More immediate problems have since reared their heads. State College, which is the name of the town, not the institution, currently has the property zoned for "fraternity house" usage; the university is now contending that it must apply for rezoning as a "rooming house," since the group has lost university recognition. Not so, reply lawyers for the Phi Society, since the municipal zoning ordinance prescribes the occupants be university-affiliated, not -recognized. And with fourteen members of the Phi Society, ten brothers in the recognized Kappa Alpha Order, and one non-greek, all students, the house is certainly "affiliated." The university of course doesn't count the Phi Society brothers, and opines that "10 members of Kappa Alpha . . . isn't enough" to cut the mustard, to which the Phi Society responds with a letter from the university director of fraternity and sorority life working with the chapter to place members in the house after its charter was yanked. . . . And so on.

The ultimate winners in this battle royale? Uncertain, except the lawyers.

As an interesting side note, the nomenclature "Phi Society" was not chosen out of the ether. Evidently there are Phi Societies at both the University of Virginia and the University of the South (aka Sewanee), both defrocked Phi Delta Theta chapters.

Centre Daily Times

uf fraternity for lesbians χλθ inducts its first pledges

The often-touted diversity of the greek scene at the University of Florida is expanding again. Chi Lambda Theta was founded as a fraternity last August by three women identifying as lesbians who felt sororities did not represent their self-ideals. Vigorously courting self-actualization, they opted to establish a fraternity rather than sorority because "the term ‘fraternity’ is more encompassing," explained Tasha Owens, one of the founders; "masculine women simply do not fit in with traditional sororities."

Indeed, that's the crux of the issue: Chi Lambda Theta sees itself as a greek society specifically for lesbians who embody a more masculine identity. Even in the modern age of nuanced self-image and multifarity of every stripe, the longevity of an organization catering to a relatively small slice of society might have been questioned. But Chi Lambda Theta has just inducted its first pledge class of four women, so they seem to be at UF to stay. Thus far, they are still keeping a low profile, admits Kesha Miller, another co-founder: “We haven’t had any bad reactions thus far. But, we also haven’t had any big events.” Perhaps with the new brothers (sisters?) on board, it will be time to start.

Independent Florida Alligator

rutgers columnist links greeks’ potential for parties and charity

Comes now an interesting thought out of the daily rag at Rutgers University: the very features that make fraternities such efficient party machines are the same as make them philanthropic dynamos. And columnist Michael Locke doesn't doubt that greeks contribute vastly of their time and money to good causes. At Rutgers, anyway, greeks raise "hundreds of thousands of dollars" a year; Mr Locke takes the time to plug a few pet causes, as well as devote a paragraph to an upcoming Lambda Upsilon Lambda event (though sheepishly adding, "at the risk of sounding like an advertisement"). Yet he admits that "for most students, the only contact they think they have with greek life is during 'frat parties.' And to a degree, greeks are to blame for not being more vocal about their other activities." That's certainly true. Part of the problem is student proclivities: advertisements for a blockbuster blowout are more likely to bring around rushes than an early-morning campus cleanup. But students drawn by the latter (or better yet, both) would probably make for better pledges in any case.

Mr Locke's novel and frankly intriguing point comes from the observation that greek organizations are essentially unique in regularly offering such disparate programming, the "work hard" and the "play hard." His argument:

I believe this vigor and perpetuation of the Union/Mine Street nightlife is exactly what drives fraternities to success in their other endeavors. It is exactly the same bureaucracy that fraternities must develop in order to safely host social events which is also put to use for philanthropy, athletics and more. Outside the college fraternity, there is no other type of organization that has developed an internal government aimed to accomplish such radically different tasks. And the amazing part of it is that they succeed.

His thesis, on which he expands further with considerable flourish, is certainly worth a serious ponder, as is his almost shockingly sensible conclusion:

I guess the point is, criticizing greeks for their traditional tendency to have a good time is also a criticism of the structure that allows for hundreds or even thousands of hours of philanthropy and service to be accomplished. Sure, greeks could still commit to service and not be allowed to host parties, but if both can occur in perfect harmony, what is the harm?

Hear hear!

Rutgers Daily Targum

contrasting perspectives on umd greek life

Every so often, a student paper is seized by the philanthropic impulse to present a pro and con opinion on greek life. Today's turn is taken by the University of Maryland Diamondback, which informs us that this is a standard praxis: "every other week, The Diamondback will publish a pair of opposing positions on a contentious issue from student groups and local leaders."

On the "pro" side for greek life is Matry Bock, president of the Interfraternity Council. He proffers a five-paragraph essay (what should be one paragraph on philanthropy is broken into two) that would make any high school English teacher proud: every paragraph is neatly capped by a topic statement, after which evidence is marshalled in short, declarative sentences to reinforce that point. The last sentence of the first paragraph states the article's thesis, and the first sentence of the last paragraph encapsulates the article's argument. It is therefore easy to crib Mr Bock's points straight from each topic sentence: (a) greeks raise more money for charity and do more community service than the average student; (b) "fraternities and sororities also make academics a top priority"; and (c) greeks are actively combatting negative stereotypes and practices, e.g., hazing, eating disorders, drinking and sexual assault. Yay greeks!

On the "con" side comes Stefanie Williams, who seems to confine her comments to sororities. And her comments are actually quite thoughtful, outlining why she ultimately dropped out of her pledging process and regularly averring that sororities can be fun, prosperous, healthy institutions. Certainly she rakes over some pointedly harsh moments of hazing involving raw onions and midnight roll calls, but she isn't piling on body blows gratuitously. Her point is personal—that sororities aren't for everyone—not prescriptive:

Am I telling all my readers not to rush, not to join a sorority? Of course not. Some girls love it. Some girls make the best friends they'll ever have in their houses. Houses do a lot of philanthropy work, and I'm sure a lot of girls have the time of their lives.

Your correspondent comes away from this point-counterpoint sympathetic to the "con" side, not because Ms William's points were more accurate but because they are presented with much greater earnestness. Since her point is nuanced, allowing for differences of opinion and only explaining her own decision-making, it's easy to take her side. And her final admonition is one anyone can adopt: "above all, stand up for yourself."

As promised in the past for such colloquies, the title link goes to the better argument.

UMd Diamondback: ProCon

gw greeks try to capture state school spirit with "tailgate"

Responding to widespread concerns about a dearth of school spirit at George Washington University, the greeks community organized a tailgate "aimed at creating a 'state school' feel" before a home basketball game. "The culture of tailgating gets people out and excited for their team," said a Pi Kappa Alpha brother. After the barbecue, the brothers and sisters "made their way" to the arena to watch their Colonials battle it out.

Made their way? Evidently the "tailgate" took place in an alley behind the local frat row, the better to get the greeks out to the event. But the nature of tailgating is that it takes place adjacent to the stadium, not in your backyard, the idea being to congregate just outside and thus make the eventual drift into the stadium easier. Barbecuing in your backyard is just that; grilling does not accrue the honorific of "tailgating" simply because attendees intend to go watch some basketball afterwards. Indeed, it omits the titular characteristic of tailgating: operating the event out of the back of your flatbed.

Some participants recognized the inherently flawed nature of the event: "I don't think we can emulate a state school, but it's good to encourage excitement once in a while," said a sophomore sister at Alpha Epsilon Phi. Still, a good time was reportedly had by all, and that's the right idea, whatever you call it.

GW Hatchet

step competition at uconn showcases art, athleticism

Emily Abbate of the University of Connecticut Daily Campus reports on the big-time step show held over the weekend, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail. While the average article on a campus event is content to summarize its purpose and quote a few participants for some flavor, Ms Abbate goes the whole nine yards, recreating each of the six acts at the step show for those Huskies unable to attend (or for that matter, for the vast majority of humanity nowhere near UConn).

She duly begins the article with the standard quotes from the director of greek life and step show organizers, along with reporting on the purse ($1000 for first prize; $500 for second), the winners (Delta Sigma Theta and Omega Psi Phi) and showers (Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma). But when she turns to the substance of the show itself, her prose shines. Best not to try to paraphrase it here; if you're interested in stepping, the article is worth a look. She still closes with the requisite summary quote, from a third-year spectator: "It was a really different experience and like nothing I could have expected. Definitely a great time."

UConn Daily Campus

penn writer traces non-greek history of hazing

The phenomenon of hazing is generally associated with greek organizations to the layperson, but columnist Alex Ball of the Daily Pennsylvanian wants to dispel such dreary misconceptions. His brief synopsis begins in 1657 at Harvard when freshmen were routinely subjected to what would now be called hazing by upperclassmen; the practice survived under the Britishism "fagging" until the mid-twentieth century.

It was at that point that hazing first began to take shape in the modern fraternity. But Mr Ball shows the conversation does not start and end there: "Greek organizations account for a minority of hazing incidents, the biggest offenders being sports teams, academic honorary organizations and various social clubs," citing a 1999 Alfred University study which found that over 70% of student-athletes were hazed—though a freshman basketballer is quoted as describing his travails as innocuous, no doubt exonerating the system as a whole.

Mr Ball also refers to a home-grown campus group called the Mask and Wig comedy troupe, where hazing evidently prospers in plain sight under different titles. "New guys" wishing to join the troupe and become "clubbies" are required to undergo a two-year process of "new guy unity" under which they are "at the beck and call of older members." A new guy quoted does not seem to be complaining, though: "It's an important part of the experience, though. We really come together as a class." Why does this sound familiar? (Replace "new guys" with "pledges"; "clubbies" with "brothers"; and "new guy unity" with "hazing".)

Mr Ball writes in a campus climate in which Delta Tau Delta and Alpha Phi Alpha were each recently forced off campus by hazing events gone awry, both involving injury to their pledges—so his history should not be taken as any kind of apologia for greeks who haze. Rather, it's a brave challenge to common tropes and a call to re-examine the stereotypes that allow non-greek organizations to abuse their members under alternative nomenclature.

Daily Pennsylvanian

umd sees full complement of nphc greeks reunited

In the spirit of Black History Month, the Diamondback at the University of Maryland is celebrating the reuniting on campus of all nine members of the Divine Nine historically black greeks. While chapters' fortunes have ebbed and flowed on campus, now all nine are represented at once, along with a tenth Latina sorority, under the auspices of the Maryland PHC. The final chapter to accede, Iota Phi Theta, also holds the distinction of being the first NPHC chapter formed at a majority-white school, in 1971. Phi Beta Sigma followed shortly thereafter, along with Zeta Phi Beta, the first NPHC sorority on campus. "There is such a historical significance for some of these chapters," said Corey Bailey, the university PHC coordinator.

In addition to those pioneers, the other groups represented are Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Psi Phi, and Lambda Theta Alpha. "Suspensions hurt the PHC. Having everyone back puts everyone on a unified front," said the president of Kappa Alpha Psi, while the local NAACP issued a supportive message as well.

UMd Diamondback

illinois state kappa alpha psi fetes eightieth with masquerade

The Illinois State University chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi had a particularly festive occasion this year—their eightieth anniversary on campus—and pulled out all the stops to make it a night to remember, scheduling a formal masquerade replete with august speakers to commemorate eight decades of NPHC greeks on campus. (Kappa Alpha Psi was the first.) It is particularly apt, then, that the ball also kicks off Black History Month.

Some Kappa brothers were concerned that the requirement of formal attire—tuxes and gowns, strictly no suits allowed—might dissuade potential attendees. But their fears were wholly dispelled as brothers drove in from "as far as Chicago" to join the festivities. The Kappa Polemarch (that would be the president) Jeremy Wolley noted that turnout exceeded expectations: "Luckily we had enough masquerade masks for ladies and food for everyone."

Not all attendees were thrilled, though. "We've received a lot of feedback from students, ISU administration and fraternity alumni members about the event," explained Mr Wolley. Freshman Ashley McFarland was critical of the perhaps overreaching program for the ball: "I really didn't care too much about the speech even though it was good. The message was good but I don't think that should have been part of the evening." Undaunted, the Kappas are set to reach yet further. "Next year will be bigger and better than this year," said a Kappa senior.

Illinois Statesman

vandy columnist apparently endorses hazing

"Don't haze me, bro": With those inauspicious words, Frannie Boyle begins her opinion piece in the Vanderbilt Hustler. She begins sympathetically by lamenting the increasing crack-down on greek life imposed by the university authorities. Certainly a common sentiment, and she can hardly be faulted. When she cites a certain guardedness about activities during rush, or she expresses dubiousness as to the propriety of punishments meted out for some pledge events, she sounds like a concerned but sensible writer.

But the wheels completely come off the bus about halfway through the article when Ms Boyle shifts from an sympathetic observer to lukewarm acceptance: "Hazing happens at every fraternity, the trick is just not to get caught," she boldly asserts. Your correspondent, though certainly unfamiliar with the greek scene at Vanderbilt University, would hazard a guess that not every greek hazes there, even just a little bit. And taking sympathy for well-meaning chapters to the length of endorsing coverups of hazing is a stretch (much) too far. The problem is the institutionalization of abuse, not that groups are caught out for it. But Ms Boyle plunges still further, taking a baldly apologistic stance that is best served being quoted in full:

And what’s the real problem with hazing anyway? It can obviously get a little out of hand—Hollywood tells us that. But in its purest form hazing is a great thing, and fraternities would be nothing without it. Pledge classes form an unbreakable bond through their experiences as freshmen because of what they work through (or suffer through) together.

The rest of the article proceeds in that vein. Is Ms Boyle joking? Is this a mordant send-up of other, unnamed persons that really do deny the ills of hazing? Or does she really believe this? The article has none of the normal indices of sarcasm, so the only real thing suggesting mockery is the sheer extremity of her opinion. The reader will have to judge for himself; though the comments seem to be taking it at face value.

Vanderbilt Hustler

sac state columnist takes on greek stereotypes

In an unpresuming little piece entitled "The Truth About Fraternities and Sororities," columnist Kristine Guerra at California State University, Sacramento is making her own stand against prejudices. She freels admits to having deplored the greeks massed around her as a freshman: "Because I grew up hearing about scandals and victims of hazing in fraternities and sororities, I was one of those people who put these organizations under a certain stereotype—that they are stupid and a waste of time and money." Now she knows better: the greek community at Sac State is diverse, uniquely active in campus life, and committed to community service.

She cites the last with particular gusto, deriding the media-abetted common misconception under which she once labored: "Generally, fraternities and sororities don’t exist for social purposes only. This, unfortunately, is the part that’s overemphasized, the part that makes it on TV. Unsensational community service activities don’t." Maybe Ms Guerra's column will actually incite a few Sac State folks to reconsider their beliefs as well.

Rocklin & Roseville Today

more arrests made in greek robbery streak at the uw

The University of Washington has recently been a dangerous place for greeks, where the local community has been terrorized by a crime wave. But perhaps that wave is finally breaking with two sets of arrests in close succession.

Earlier reports are confirmed that the police arrested three soldiers from nearby Fort Lewis, PFC Chad A Braden, Pvt Robert E Lucase, Jr, and PFC Raymond Burroughs III, and charged them last month for at least one robbery apiece. The army men were apprehended after their fellows turned them in—a reassuring reminder that our armed forces are not in the habit of harboring violent felons. Two of the soldiers were allegedly involved in the robbery and pistol-whipping on which we previously reported.

The new arrests came early Sunday after three were assaulted and robbed over the weekend. The four assailants fled the scene after chasing down one victim who attempted to run, Kevin Williams. But this time police were able to track the perpetrators, who had run in the general direction of The UW frat row. Based on information whose source has not yet been revealed, authorities found and arrested the alleged robbers in a vacant room in Phi Delta Theta. No connection between the arrestees and the fraternity has been suggested, and the chapter president asserts they "did not have any affiliation with the Phi Delta Theta fraternity."

Update: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is now reporting that one of the suspects is the (biological) brother of a (fraternity) brother at Phi Delta Theta, where the suspect has illegally been living for some time. In the course of his illicit habitation he gained or was given knowledge of the house passcodes and other security information, which he employed to gain access in his flight from police. The suspect's brother has since been suspended from the fraternity. The investigation is ongoing.

Still, few students are breathing easier yet: many robberies remain unsolved, and it remains to be seen if the arrests will see a lessening of the crime wave.

KOMO-TV 4Seattle Post-IntelligencerSeattle TimesKING-TV 5KIRO-TV 7

webster sees first sorority approved after fraught vote

Webster has gone most of its long life without greeks; we have written about the progress of the first fraternity there, Delta Upsilon. Now it looks to be joined by upstart Delta Phi Epsilon, the first sorority on campus. The Student Government Association (the college has no greek umbrella group yet, of course) approved the organization in a secret ballot Thursday, paving the way for DPhiE to seek colony status from their national.

The vote was attended by a raucous debate by onlookers as to the propriety of DPhiE's mission, even as Delta Upsilon men stood in the gallery to support the sorority hopefuls. Rerepresentatives of DPhiE tried to dispell stereotypes of sororities as "cliquey and shallow" and stressed their core values and strong commitment to philanthropy. But the sorority's very constitution was challenged strenuously by the SGA Segreant-at-Arms Lydia Schulte: "You have to have a vagina to get in. You have to pay to get in. How does that benefit our school?"; SGA PR Representative Justin Raymundo wondered out loud about the eligibility of the transgendered.

So frenzied grew the attacks on DPhiE's mission that both the SGA's president and vice president alternately had to admonish the crowd to behave civilly and avoid personal attacks: "I feel that we have to bring it down a little bit. Things are running pretty hot in here right now." But when the vote was finally called, Delta Phi Epsilon was approved, though by what margin was unknown. Mr Raymundo stoutly defended his motion calling for a secret ballot: "I wanted to make sure that everybody felt comfortable voting because the discussion was so heated." Wise man.

Webster Journal

uta touts plans for homecoming step competition

The University of Texas in Arlington is stepping up Sorry plans for the annual homecoming step show cosponsored by the university greek life office and the National Panhellenic Council. Eight chapters of Divine Nine will be taking part, and the venue has been upgraded to Texas Hall, which Greek Life Coordinator Robert-Thomas Jones sees as indicative of its growing role in the festivities: “I could see the Homecoming Step Show become one of the largest, biggest . . . step shows. We’re trying to pack out Texas Hall.”

Step competitions are always an extravaganza, but technology has raised the bar, and many groups employ "videos, theatrics and other media forms" to enhance the experience of the terpsichorean art yet further. Every group's themes are typically closely-guarded secrets, as a routine takes months to prepare and the shock and awe is as much a part of success as anything else, according to a Delta Sigma Theta sister. Plus, "the cash prizes are hefty," notes an Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, though averring that "the night itself is bigger than the award." That is certainly Mr Jones's aim.

While we're taking on the subject of UTA, just an offhand question. Their mascot is the shorthorn, to be distinguished from the mascot of the flagship of the University of Texas system in Austin, the better-known longhorn. Now, knowing very little about steer and the various benefits of horn length, your correspondent is not in a position to make an educated guess as to which is superior. Anyone better-versed in the matter have a thought?

UTA Shorthorn

new moso κσ going the extra mile to differentiate themselves

Nearly a year on from receiving their charter, the Kappa Sigma at Missouri Southern State University ("MoSo," apparently) is still trying to show they're cut from a different cloth. Among the host of requirements for their establishment last May, they had to collect a membership of at least fifty and raise $50 a head in philanthropies. Now a fully-enfranchised chapter, they don't want to let the momentum wane.

Chapter President Will Lynch explained the greater burden under which greeks operate in typical tropes: "Stigma is something we definitely have to put up with any time we talk to anybody about rushing. People think it's Animal House and Old School, but it's not like that at all." Certainly not at the Kappa Sigma, where even brothers of legal age are not permitted to imbibe during the pledging process, following a rush philosophy described as "good, clean, fun events." They combine these Mormonesque tendencies with a commitment to academics and philanthropy to offer what Mr Lynch calls "a little bit more out of college." Last year's charities included a "swing-a-thon" and "teeter-totter-a-thon," but the fraternity is hoping to expand its efforts this year. Keeping with the oddly playground-oriented theme, perhaps a jungle-gym-a-thon and bobbling-animals-on-springs-a-thon are in the offing.

As for recreation after a hard day of charity work? No mention is made.

MoSo Chart

poison control guidance questioned in usu hazing death at σν

We have followed for some time the fallout at Utah State University after the death of a freshman at the Sigma Nu house, even as columnist Brian Maffly of the Salt Lake Tribune has churned out a stupefying number of stories. Most of them are cumulative and repetitious, but occasionally he manages to cobble together something novel, as he did Thursday with a story examining the role of the fateful call to Poison Control by the Sigma Nu brothers on finding their pledge grossly intoxicated. The question still unanswered is why the opportunity for medical intercession by professionals did not save Michael Starks's life.

Transcripts of the call are revealing. Sigma Nu member Colton Starks misreported the amount of alcohol consumed by Mr Starks as "half a bottle" rather than the three-quarters actually ingested, and gave Mr Starks's age as twenty-one instead of eighteen. The fib about age was fairly obviously due to concern about admitting underage drinking, while the exact amount Mr Starks consumed was likely unclear to a brother completely unconnected to Mr Starks's earlier hazing by sorority girls.

More troubling are the failures of the Poison Control responder. While age is a factor in determining the effect of alcohol, its gravamen is dwarfed by that of body size, a critical datum that the the responder did not seek. Nor did she query the time period over which Mr Starks consumed the alcohol, the most important figure in determining potential toxicity. Without this essential information, it would be impossible to make an even remotely accurate assessment.

Thus ill-informed, she advised that "if at any time he's not arousable or if he aspirates this into his lungs then you want to make sure you get him into the hospital," advice evidently followed assiduously. But had she merely sought the most basic information, she could have immediately ordered that Mr Starks be given emergency medical care, perhaps saving his life. Instead, falsely reassured by Poison Control, the Sigma Nu brothers could only call 911 later, too late.

None of this is to excuse the culpability of those who abetted the intoxication or the practice of hazing, and some face criminal charges. But unlike in many hazing tragedies where death results from neglect or obfuscation, here medical personnel had an opportunity to intercede, thanks to the providence of more responsible fraternity men. That chance was squandered by Poison Control, and a young man's life was lost. The Tribune reports that "Center officials say they stand by the way the Starks call was handled." Unbelievable.

Salt Lake Tribune

penn state sees widespread joy at gossipmonger's comeuppance

We have previously reported on the spread of gossip sites telling tall tales about greeks on campus. Now the long-beleaguered community at Pennsylvania State University is celebrating the recent shuttering of the loss-leader of the pack. "Ding dong, JuicyCampus is dead," quipped Panhellenic Council President Mairys Joaquin. An anonymous poster on the now-defunct site agreed: "This site was f----- up. Thank god it ran into financial troubles. I guess good ol' George Dubya did some good when he destroyed our economy after all."

Penn State Director of Greek Life and Advancement joined the chorus of cheers, saying he "didn't regret" the site's ignominious end. And even the university announced its pleasure, invoking the concerns of many institutes of higher education that JuicyCampus was "crossing the line" between commentary and libel: "If there are concerns about hazing or a university violation, it should go through the right channels rather than go through a gossip Web site." JuicyGossip had been previously targeted by lawsuits and enforced moratoria by greeks elsewhere in the nation to avoid feeding its stream of calumnies.

The only ones not in the cheerleading squad cited were the site's founder, Matt Ivester, and disgruntled gossip fiends. Mr Ivester even admitted to "parts of JuicyCampus that none of us will miss—the mean-spirited posts and personal attacks," but hoped he would remembered for the "lighthearted gossip" in which it pandered instead. Perhaps were there less attacks and more banter, the site would still be a going concern. But a comment from a now dispossessed status-seeker indicated such hopes are in vain, reminding readers of the typical fare once served at JuicyGossip: "You'll be missed. ... how will I ever know what tier my frat is or if the girl I was with last night is slutty ... RIP."

Penn State Daily Collegian

vtech βθπ to hold american idol knockoff for charity

Hokies who always wanted to make a fool out of themselves on national television will now have a chance to see how it feels on a smaller stage. Beta Theta Pi at Virginia Polytechnic Institute will be holding casting calls for its homegrown knockoff of Fox's American Idol, duly titled "Hokie Idol" in a double-entrendre so perfect it seems made in heaven. For those merely wishing to gawk voyeuristically at talent train-wrecks, the price of admission is only $3, but choral hopefuls will be asked for a $5 donation, all proceeds to benefit the Free Clinic of the New River Valley, a beneficiary selected after the fraternity decided they preferred to endow a local institution than an equally noble but far-off do-gooder. The Clinic was duly enthused; "We are always hoping that the community will provide these types of resources. I was thrilled that a student organization took the time to think of us," announced its executive director.

In the spirit of full disclosure, the student paper reveals that its Editor-in-Chief will be sitting on the judge's panel for the contest. Undisclosed is whether any of the staff or editors will be auditioning.

Blacksburg Collegiate Times

skullduggery evident in rider αεπ closure

In what amounted to an ignominious coup d'etat, Rider University shuttered the local Alpha Epsilon Pi while the brothers were away on winter break. They were acting at the behest of the national, which had decided to close the chapter for a laundry list of reasons: “The national fraternity chose to close the Beta Psi chapter due to a long list of risk management violations; there had been over 100 write-ups by the university,” said an AEPi spokesman. “Employees of the university and national fraternity were disrespected by brothers of the chapter. Lastly, membership dues checks continually bounced.” Erstwhile president Sal Bruculleri disagrees: “We don’t think they bounced. Our money, as far as we know, was fine.” AEPi senior Jason Sullivan said, “we had no warning; we didn’t know. It just hit us like a ton of bricks.”

Even Director of Greek Life Ada Badgley expressed surprise at the suddenness of the closure. Indeed, the university conspired to hide the impending doom to the students until after they had finished finals and returned home for winter recess. Dean of Students Anthony Campbell admitted deliberately waiting until after the school term had expired to hold the meeting, though he claimed only to be trying to avoid distractions to students during exam period. Mr Bruculleri objects: “we are adults, we can multi-task. They basically said that if they [told us] then our minds would not be on our academics as much as they would be on our fraternity.” And Mr Sullivan was told by resident advisors that "another reason no one was told about the closing earlier was that it was feared the brothers would throw a party and damage the house."

Meanwhile, skullduggery was also alleged at the national level. Alpha Epsilon Pi was founded as a Jewish fraternity, though they presently maintain a policy of inclusiveness. Nonetheless, Mr Bruculleri explained that they were often excoriated for their demographics: “We were told by our fraternity adviser that we were supposed to have a quota of Jewish males, and we just never followed that quota. He advised us to get at least 10 Jewish brothers [each] semester,” adding that a previous fraternity advisor had criticized them for "not doing a good job promoting AEPi nationally," though only intimating at how they could better embody AEPi's mission. Chapter advisors had also reported feeling "disrespected," "harassed and intimidated" by brothers, and one quit after words with the then-chapter president.

Whatever the truth, the AEPi closure at least raises serious questions at both the university and national level. Even in the aftermath, authorities couldn't seem to comport themselves with any surfeit of civility. Brothers had to return from their winter recess to collect their belongings from their rooms, all under the watchful escort of security personnel. And Mr Bruculleri was singled out and stopped in a public shop by a campus cop and told "to cover up his AEPi jersey or take it off." Greek Life Director Badgley and Dean Campbell uttered mollifying platitudes about policy, and claim they haven't the faintest idea why the harassment took place.

The final word goes to Mr Sullivan: “They decided to wait to tell us until we’re all home and split up because if we’re banded together we can somehow think of something. They took it away from us while we were all home. We were put in a situation where we couldn’t win.”

Rider News