The recent news that the once-unrecognized fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu — more often called “SAMMY” by members of the AU community — has regained recognition by university administrators undoubtedly elicits mixed feelings among students, faculty and staff. Some take these actions as positive progress and look forward to a new period of interesting and enriching evolution of social structure. Others express trepidation over this integration, pointing to the organization’s past un-sponsored status as evidence of various corruptions within it. Regardless of where they stand in this regard, campus community members should resolve to keep an open mind when it comes to determining the merits of the new SAMMY colony. There are many contextual factors to keep in mind:
It is quite clear that the fraternity’s history is shrouded with what might be called the urban legend factor — it is unclear to many community members why exactly the fraternity lost its school charter, so tall tales have circulated. Stories of gratuitous hazing, violence and substance violations are relatively common among those trying to explain history behind the “illegal frats.” Though the fraternity did operate for six years without administrative oversight, it’s unreasonable to slander an organization with uncorroborated rumor. Officially, the fraternity was removed due to administrative noncompliance and alcohol violations. Perpetuating rumors beyond what can be confirmed can be needlessly destructive to community atmosphere.
Regardless of what the original violations were, campus members should keep in mind that since SAMMY lost its sponsorship, there has been a complete recycling of fraternity personnel — those originally responsible for its removal have long graduated. For SAMMY to seek campus recognition of the university, especially under the direction of a freshman president, displays a legitimate desire to change the fraternity’s reputation and become a contributing part of the campus community. Students, faculty and staff should reward SAMMY’s decision to relinquish complete administrative independence and join the mainstream greek community by giving it a fresh chance to prove itself.
Some will still object by contending that the Inter-Fraternity Council is expanding greek life on campus too quickly, having already accepted colonization of Zeta Psi and Tau Kappa Epsilon during the past two years. They fear another colony will jeopardize the health of smaller existing greek organizations, but it is important to remember that AU is growing rapidly and that the creation of these new organizations symbolizes students’ desires to be involved on different terms. In the spirit of accepting democracy and equality generally we should all welcome these organizations and SAMMY to become a part of AU.
