Campus Greek organization leaders circulated an e-mail response campus-wide Friday evening, responding to the announcement made by Hanover Police Thursday night to begin alcohol law compliance checks at Greek organization events in the coming months.
The change in policy came in response to a perceived rise in alcohol use and abuse by underage individuals, Hanover Police Chief Nicholas Giaccone said at the Thursday meeting.
In the e-mail, Greek leaders argued against Hanover Police's proposed use of undercover operatives to investigate whether Greek organizations are providing alcohol to underage individuals. Hanover Police should abandon the proposed crackdown, opting instead for policies aimed at harm reduction, the e-mail read.
"Greek leaders have encouraged use of the Good Samaritan policy, increased education about alcohol use for incoming freshman, and promoted stronger relations with the administration and Safety and Security," the e-mail read. "We believe that our efforts are working and that Hanover Police's proposal will roll back a decade of progress."
The letter also urged students to avoid panicked, rash action and to continue using the Good Samaritan program.
Representatives from all "physical plants affected" by the policy were present at the meeting to draft the statement held Friday afternoon, including Greek organization presidents, the presidents of the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council, the Co-Ed Council, and officers of the Greek Leadership Council, according to GLC moderator Ethan Lubka '10.
Greek organizations have decided not to implement any new policies as of yet, but will "strictly enforce" existing policies, including Social Event Management Procedures and Best Practices Guidelines, Lubka said in an interview with the Dartmouth.
Starting this weekend and continuing indefinitely, Greek organizations will be "carding heavily," Lubka said.
Every student will need to present a Dartmouth ID card to gain entrance to a party. Those without a Dartmouth ID will need to present an alternative form of official identification, and non-students who are not over 21 will not be admitted, Lubka said.
"We will attempt to have a full Winter Carnival as planned," Lubka said. "Hopefully no one will have to cancel events as a result."
Greek leaders do not currently plan to propagate institutional changes to Greek events, such as closing parties or implementing guest lists, in the near future, Lubka said. Individual Greek organizations may take such measures as they see fit, he added.
The organizations present said they intend to seek clarification of the terms of the announcement made by Hanover Police on Thursday and then make that information available to all Greek organization presidents, Lubka said.
Lubka said he wants Greek leaders to approach the issue in "the most logical and careful way we can to reach the outcome that we want."
The organizations intend to work with Hanover Police and the town of Hanover to resolve the issue and reach a solution that is acceptable by all parties and beneficial to the Dartmouth community, he said.
"Our approach is merely to follow the law as closely as we can," Lubka said. "As long as we are following SEMP and the law of the state we are not concerned."
The organizations intend to send out a campus-wide e-mail Friday evening, clarifying the announcement made by Hanover Police and the way that Greek organizations plan to respond to this issue.
"We want to get all of campus on board," Lubka said. "What we know, they'll know."
Lubka stressed the importance of a "coordinated and careful" effort in resolving this issue.
"The entire campus and community are affected by this decision," Lubka said. "We will work with as many people as we can."
Many Greek leaders are concerned that the policy will force houses to hold invitation-only events and will drive drinking on campus "underground," Lubka said.
A rise in the number of off-campus parties that may result could force students to drive to parties, placing them in greater danger, Lubka said.
David Imamura '10 echoed Lubka's sentiment.
"Taking this action will have serious safety repercussions for both the town of Hanover and Dartmouth," Imamura said in an interview with The Dartmouth. "Room parties are much more dangerous than anything a fraternity or sorority could do."
Imamura stressed the need for an organized and collaborative approach to the policy, encouraging students to engage in "calm and civil debate."
"We recognize Hanover Police's obligation to enforce the law," he said. "We do object to sting operations and tactics that go far beyond [Hanover Police's] previous stratagems."
Imamura said he fears that the policy could harm the social environment at Dartmouth. Because Hanover Police has not ruled out the recruitment of Dartmouth students in compliance checks, the policy could create an environment of fear that undermines the Greek system.
"So much of Dartmouth is based on trust," Imamura said. "They're striking at the heart of Dartmouthand that's the worst part."
According to Lubka, Greek organization representative have "consulted" with members of the College administration, although he would not disclose specific individuals.
"The administration has not taken a stand on this yet," Lubka said. "Until then we'll continue this as a student body and hope that the administration will support us."
Dartmouth alumni and Greek house advisers have also been in contact and offered their opinions and advice, Lubka said.
