THE FREE, sober and earnest pursuit of truth is one of the fundamental objectives of any academic institution, and should be a goal of any thinking person. Essential to the efficient and effective progression towards this goal is an open exchange of ideas and information. This exchange is especially crucial in debating controversial issues such as the Greek system at the University, where loyalties run deep and passions are easily roused.
Remaining within the realm of intellectual discourse requires that both sides be given unrestricted expression. If one side is not given proper voice, both sides suffer. With this in mind, I, along with several friends, undertook the task of opening an informed dialogue regarding the merits of the Greek system at the University.
The benefits derived from the Greek system are not at dispute here. Fraternities and sororities offer abundant social outlets, opportunities to meet new people and are responsible for considerable philanthropic efforts in the community. Not one of these benefits, however, is exclusive to the Greek system and not one is without cost.
It is our intention to shed some critical light on some of these costs, which we believe to be inherent in the system, and to encourage a dialogue among the students where the merits can be weighed and the Greek system can have a chance to defend its practices.
While a massive flier campaign admittedly is not a conventional medium for intellectual discourse, the urgency of the message, the vast intended audience and the track record of past attempts to enact reform within the Greek system all are reasons that made fliers an appropriate choice. In the past, debates have arisen and committees have been formed, but most were simply reactions to isolated events and have proven ineffective.
The fliers were not the extent of our message, but were intended to highlight specific detriments of the Greek system. They were to serve as an impetus for further discussion and debate. The fliers also were intended to encourage others with similar opinions to make their voices known. Reactions from both within and without the Greek community as well as follow-up acts by other groups, like the painting of Beta Bridge, show that our message is being heard and many are responding appropriately.
I wish to make clear that, while some of our fliers purposely were incendiary, our intention solely was to address the Greek system as a whole and not its members. After all, I am in a fraternity, so it would have been counterproductive and hypocritical to insult the individuals within the Greek system.
However, my four years of active participation in Greek life at the University qualify me to question the system and its detrimental effects on students and on the University community.
While I derived many benefits from fraternity life, I am also painfully aware of the ubiquity of hazing, under-aged drinking and dangerous sexual behavior in this system. Most fraternities have been around long enough that these practices are accepted as legacy and tradition and not questioned by new members.
We do not dare claim that the Greek system solely is responsible for the existence of these problems, but the system certainly enables and encourages them. Within fraternities and sororities, a group mentality easily overrides individual values and mutes personal decision making. The exclusive and often secretive nature of fraternities and sororities plays a significant role in eroding individuality and enabling behavior that would be inexcusable elsewhere.
Our intention is to give voice to a perspective that is rarely heard - the perspective that there are many disadvantages inherent in Greek life that may not be worth its few benefits. If our message purports fallacy, then let the Greek community respond by proving us wrong.
If our message strikes at the truth, then let the Greek community either show that hazing and under-aged drinking are not problematic or let them make efforts towards reform. Either way, an important dialogue has been opened and a movement given voice.
I implore supporters of the Greek system to not fall into the trap of arguing simply to sustain a system to which they are committed or a belief to which they have professed allegiance. Rather, Greek supporters should take time to objectively consider the arguments and not be afraid to change.
Hopefully, as a result, rushees will be more capable of making informed choices and Greeks will be forced to address these important issues. I certainly welcome the opportunity to continue this discussion in more traditional forums. Please visit www.geocities.com/speak_out_uva/ for further information.
(Matt Shields is in his seventh year at the University.)
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