Faculty votes 81-0 to urge derecognition of Greek system
Last night the faculty of the Arts and Sciences unanimously approved a resolution, voting 81-0 to urge the administration and Trustees to withdraw College recognition from all Coed Fraternity and Sorority organizations once additional living space is made available. Recognizing that many Greek houses are independently owned, Associate Professor of Religion Susan Ackerman -- who moved the resolution -- told The Dartmouth that she hoped the houses would financially buckle without College support, if the administration accepts the faculty mandate. Faculty members argued that the system is a discriminatory one that can not be reformed, and called senior College officials to make the construction of new residence halls -- which will enable the College to withdraw their support from Greek houses -- their highest priority to ensure the derecognition occurs latest by June 30, 2005. Two faculty members abstained from voting on the resolution. Problems with the system Faculty members addressed a number of problems within the current Greek system. Raising concerns that the CFS system is highly exclusive, professors argued that it does not conform but interferes, with the academic mission of the College. The Greek system "stands so antithetical to our academic message of openness," Ackerman said. Citing figures from the steering committee report which shows affiliated students tend to be mostly white and more affluent than other students, Ackerman called the system one of "power and privilege." Faculty members also said the Greek system promotes excessive alcohol use which interferes with students' academic work. Professor of History Mary Kelly said the number of students who have admitted to alcohol interfering with their schoolwork, to have blacked-out and to have taken part in "boot and rally" is disturbingly high. 'Substantial changes' not enough Faculty members said that the "substantial changes" to the Greek system recommended in the steering committee report will not reform the residential and social life at Dartmouth.