https://marquettewire.org/4057502/opinion/cady-greek-life-needs-more-restrictions/
For my article of choice, I wanted to tackle the ever growing opinion of sexual assaults’ on campus by Greek life. Cady outlines their article by stating “there are over 1,500 sororities and fraternities in the nation” and follows this by juxtaposing the “sunny disposition” they are often granted with. When Cady provides examples of sexual assault and harassment cases (even deaths), I feel all too often many of these fraternities are given too many chances before any appropriate action is taken.
Cady reports that fraternities can be given “warnings” or flagged, but it seems that the behavior from these organizations continues to persist. At their own university, a fraternity called “Triangle Fraternity” was charged. Not only on “violating alcohol-related policies”, but also on the grounds on sexual misconduct. Unfortunately, the fraternity was only met with sexual misconduct prevention training. It troubles me deeply that this fraternity must be “trained” on how to prevent this from happening.
It reminds me of a time a close friend of mine attended a sorority-fraternity party/dance our freshman year. A frat member had to ask a sorority member to be a date. At the end of the party/dance, my friend was severely intoxicated. I did not know she was back in our dorm until she messaged me. Apparently, the date she went with would not leave the room. When I arrived, she mouthed “help me” as the date was laying behind her rubbing her arm. Though she did not tell him to leave, she did mention that she was tired to him (which most would indicate that as a sign to go).
I’m also reminded of another instance where I went to a fraternity party myself. Not only was the house in disarray and obnoxiously pungent, I remember a specific frat boy who hung around the intoxicated women all night. Asking them to come upstairs, feeding them more alcohol, or to go back to their place; when obviously, they were too drunk to make that decision themselves.
So, is it too far to ask that fraternities face more serious consequences? Or is it best that they be faced with misconducts and training?