"The trustees [of Beta Theta Pi fraternity] and undergraduates, as unfortunate as this incident is, look at this as a great chance to turn over a new page. And that's what we're going to do."
--Beta Trustee President John Burnett '71, May 29, 1994
"Although [the poem] was an isolated incident, we have taken measures to assure that this vulgar racism and sexism will not occur again."
--Former Beta President Jason Fanuele '96, Sept. 25, 1995
"It is our duty, as members of this Dartmouth community, to strive to ensure that an unfortunate incident such as this never happens again."
--Beta President Keith Lockwood '98, August 12, 1996
The College should derecognize Beta Theta Pi fraternity. The physical assault and racially offensive slurs launched against students June 26 is the most recent in a series of offensive and often violent actions that have tainted the reputation of Dartmouth and its Greek system. The College's penalty of suspended recognition fails to respond to Beta's behavior.
By protecting the perpetrators of June 26's violent act, Beta proves the house has warped notions of brotherhood. Rather than hiding behind their house, the guilty should take responsibility for their actions. In their latest apology Beta said they "cannot, and will not" condone the fraternity's actions. But by protecting the guilty, Beta gives tacit approval to this kind of behavior.
Beta's history of intolerance and violence is well-established. In 1991 the house was derecognized for kidnapping and tormenting a member of Chi Gamma Epsilon fraternity. The house was derecognized again in 1994 for hazing one of its members. Last summer, a member of Beta allegedly read a racially and sexually offensive poem at a meeting.
Last summer Beta announced it would sponsor discussions and write articles to improve gender and race relations on campus. But that promise was forgotten entirely. It is becoming increasingly clear how little Beta's words are worth.
These incidents can no longer be considered isolated. At a time when many Greek houses are trying to make strides toward tolerance and respect, Beta appears to be moving in the opposite direction. The current Beta has no place in the Dartmouth community.
