To the Editor,
I am a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, and I am outraged by the recent behavior of Zeta Psi fraternity at Dartmouth. Their actions exist far outside the realm of decent behavior and, as an organization, they should be removed immediately from the Greek system at Dartmouth.
I do not go to Dartmouth, but I grew up in Hanover. Since graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University two years ago, I have continued to be involved with the college fraternity movement, both on a national and local level. I do so because countless times I have seen how the Greek experience has helped young men and women grow as individuals. Fraternities and sororities offer college students a unique learning experience where ideals such as leadership, service, scholarship, and friendship are promoted.
However, when I see Greek members, such as the members of Zeta Psi, making poor choices that effect Greeks across the country, I get angry. I get angry because the behavior they display is inconsistent with what Greek organizations stand for. I get angry because it is not okay to demean women and joke about rape. I get angry because stupid, hurtful and immature behavior by Greeks gets perpetuated in the name of "tradition." I get angry because I am Greek and Zeta Psi's actions reflect poorly on myself and every other Greek nationwide.
Two years ago at Dartmouth, many Greeks protested the Student Life Initiative because it had the potential to eliminate the Greek system. Other than removing kegs from the chapter houses (something that was done 15 years ago everywhere else in the nation), what have Greeks at Dartmouth done to perpetuate change? What have they done to become a positive and integral part of the Dartmouth community? What have they done to set standards for their members and help them achieve those standards? The recent incident with Zeta Psi could well be a perfect example that nothing has changed within the Greek system at Dartmouth.
I challenge the Greeks at Dartmouth. Prove the faculty and other anti-Greek supporters wrong. Hold your members accountable for their actions and institute some real reform. Do not wait for the College or national headquarters to institute sanctions against Zeta Psi. Take a united stand as a system and vote for their removal from the Dartmouth community. This behavior is inconsistent with the founding principles of Greek organizations and cannot be tolerated.
