Dan Galemba's April 30th column in The Dartmouth entitled "Greekophobia" manages to mock the serious campus issue of sexual assault, as well as further insult the Greek system he attempts to defend. I write this response as a woman, as a student who has labored for increased sexual assault awareness and as a former Greek president and council member. It is as a Greek that I am most offended by Mr. Galemba's column.
First, sexual assault is a very real problem at Dartmouth. The statistic that one in four women are assaulted is widely and professionally accepted, and is not mere propaganda. Yes, this statistic is mind-boggling and scary. However, the use and broadcast of these frightening facts ought not to be condemned. Those individuals who have broadcast these facts do so in order to bring change to Dartmouth, using the truth, horrific as it is, to effect change at Dartmouth, to shock and even anger people into action. It would be nice if all people would be indignant about any one incident of assault and consider it an affront to human dignity. But the fact that assault affects so many, and so many close to us, helps mobilize students against assault.
Second, Mr. Galemba's criticism of scaring first year parents puzzles me -- shouldn't parents be informed of both the positives and negatives of Dartmouth? Though parents live far away, they can (and probably should be) integral forces in a student's life, whether they are a first year or a senior. Parents do not need a false show of what Dartmouth is (they have already committed the $120,000 and do not need yet another advertisement.) They should know about the very real dangers their student faces at Dartmouth and should be aware of what happens. Parents can provide support for their child, but moreover, they ought to be a part of the student's life (and not just foot the bill).
Third, the outcry following the Zeta Psi incident was not about the fraternity itself, but instead about problems that have festered for a long time. Most importantly, pervasive cultural sexism and glorification of violence and violence against women influence the high number of sexual assaults across the country. Free and unfettered access to alcohol adds to the incidents of sexual assault at Dartmouth. Also, the culture of Greek parties often gives individuals license to act in a completely unrestrained manner (from my observations, it is rare that brothers or sisters act inappropriately at their own houses, but instead as guests without a responsibility to the house). The lack of Committee On Standards's subpoena power makes it harder for individuals to bring evidence of their assault to the administration. Lax punishment for most assaults also creates the impression that sexual assault is only slightly unacceptable. Many of the problems stem from the administration, but many also can be stopped by the Greek system.
Greeks are in a unique position to fight sexual assault, as, in fact, sexual assault is a problem of the Greek system. The Greek principles of scholarship, leadership development, inclusiveness and growing diversity, accountability, and siblinghood require us to take a stand. Simply because one half of eligible students are Greek, a good portion of victims (and assailants) will be our sisters and brothers. Promoting scholarship means that we must listen to, and participate in, discussions about assault and gender relations. It also means that we must look critically at ourselves. Leadership requires Greeks to take a stand about this campus issue, to speak out about this social wrong. We need to act locally, and help change the culture at Dartmouth. We also need to hold the administration accountable, pushing for stronger initiatives against assault. Inclusiveness and growing diversity requires us to make sure that women are welcome and safe at our houses and that all people, regardless of gender, color, race, sexual orientation, etc are treated with respect in our houses. Accountability means taking a stand against bad behavior at our parties and in our houses, safely removing students who are acting inappropriately or are overly drunk. It also means taking care of women who are passed out or incapacitated -- sending them to Dick's House where they will be safe, and not allowing someone who claims to know them to take them home. Also, we must hold ourselves accountable, aiding victims, and (as painful as it might be) giving COS and other aspects of the administration evidence and support, even if it means turning in a sibling.
Finally, we must hold each other accountable, adjudicating members internally for assaults they committed, and calling each other's houses out for inappropriate behavior. The principle of siblinghood requires us to support our brothers and sisters. Houses ought to encourage their members to train to be Sexual Abuse Peer Advisors and help members support victims. Houses also must help assailants, helping their personal development by not accepting their behavior, challenging them, and forcing them to face the consequences of their actions. It may be tough love, but that is what a sibling who truly loves and cares about his/her brother/sister would do. Being Greek means that we have high standards to meet, and principles to live up to.
I reject the Greek stereotype that implies that all the Greek system is about is beer and parties. The Greek system exists for the growth of members, and to develop future leaders. True, the system has problems, but it also provides many positives to Greeks and the campus at large. I challenge all my Greek brothers and sisters to first take responsibility for their actions or inaction, and then join together with unaffiliated students, and work to end sexual violence and gender inequity on campus. Assault has no place in the Greek system or at Dartmouth. Mr. Galemba's assumption that being anti-rape is also being anti-Greek is insulting to the Greek system. However, it is up to us Greeks to change that stereotype, and show our anti-rape stance through our words and actions.
