lehigh survey highlights faculty attitudes on greeks

Lehigh is a school with a fair emphasis on fraternities, so it is not entirely surprising that a recent survey commissioned by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs found that 63.5% of respondents has an overall positive opinion of greeks, and that the top three adjectives associated with greeks were "partying," "social," "fun," and "involved on campus." What more could a university ask? (Perhaps a little less "partying" and a little more "involved on campus.")

But the report was not all sunshine and roses for greeks. A majority of respondents viewed alcohol, drugs, or hazing as problem in greek houses, and a plurality heavy on independents and faculty thought homophobia and racism were also major problems. The fact that the latter two issues were largely espoused by those in the worst position to know suggests they are a public relations rather than substantive problem—but perceptions are not easily dismissed as immaterial, especially when held by faculty members in a position to judge students by the Greek letters on their sweatshirts.

A follow-up editorial in the Brown & White highlights the issue of faculty views, opining that faculty members may harbor an "'Animal House' stereotype of Greek life" more than students, since professors have limited contact with greeks and see fewer of the public works and student activities undertaken. Notwithstanding the provenance of the stereotype, though, the editors express concern that "professors may lump in all Greeks with each other based on this stereotype, regardless of their individual accomplishments or intelligence, and it could affect how they grade and treat Greek students in the classroom." But with only 63 instructors responding, it would be imprudent to generalize the limited responses to the faculty as a whole. As is so often the case, more research is needed.

Lehigh Brown & White