In a total of six allegations, the Inter-Fraternity Council has directed regulatory attention toward AU fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa, and in doing so, has become even further involved in shaping the already dynamic greek scene on campus. The charges against PSK stem from its practices during the ongoing fraternity rush process — most essentially PSK has been accused of tainting their recruitment process through various alcohol and conduct infractions, including behavior “unbecoming of a fraternal organization,” according to an IFC statement.
There has also been considerable controversy over shirts created by the fraternity to promote its fall rush. According to Director of Greek Life Curtis Burrill these shirts read, “Don’t feed the sorority girls, Phi Sigma Kappa’s campus beautification.” Potential consequences and sanctions include the loss of a spring rush class if an IFC committee finds the fraternity guilty of the charges.
There are several disparate issues here worthy of individual address. Some will object to the IFC’s intervention regarding the fraternity’s rush shirts, referencing the members’ right to express themselves as they see fit. These objectors overlook the fact that while greek organizations on campus are private institutions, they are still under the jurisdiction of the university and are subject to the rules and regulations established by its administrators. The university cannot and should not implicitly support material that many find extremely offensive, especially given that the shirt’s message directly contradicts the messages disseminated by positive university programming, such as endeavors to promote a positive body image. The shirt’s slogan is tasteless and insensitive and its creation most certainly warrants the designation of conduct “unbecoming of a fraternal organization.”
The IFC’s desire to further legitimize and solidify greek life as a community structure dedicated to more than partying is certainly laudable. Attitudes are easily passed from older members to younger ones, and it behooves the IFC to protect the impressions and ideals of those just entering greek life. That said, the administration should be careful not to be overzealous in the implementation of his plans to reform greek life on campus. If we’re to be honest, we should admit as a campus community that alcohol violations and violations of recruitment policy happen regardless of whether they are caught and prosecuted by university administrators.
These administrators should be careful not to be so harsh on existing organizations as to push these activities underground, where potentially more serious infractions can occur. A universal atmosphere of understanding and acceptance on the parts of the members involved would do much to facilitate campus functionality. For the IFC, that might mean being judicious in its implementation of discipline. For PSK, that might mean being more sensitive.
