Although student response to Washington University’s decision to modify its Greek alcohol policy has largely focused on its social aspects, campus officials believe the new policy represents much more than just alcohol restrictions. Instead, the decision signifies their insistence that changes need to be made from within the Greek community itself.
Karin Johnes, director of Greek Life, said she hopes the moratorium on alcohol will give the organizations’ members a chance to step back and reflect upon the basic principles of their community.
“Students need to pause-to look, reflect and focus on the situation,” said Johnes.
Johnes felt that the University’s Greeks have not been successful in finding a good balance between social events and other aspects of fraternity and sorority life, such as community service and brotherhood or sisterhood.
“We hope that there will be a common understanding and clarity among Greeks about what the community should be by examining its foundations and founding principles-and are the organizations living up to them?” she said.
Johnes noted that the solution will not be an immediate one and that the long-term goal is to foster a sense of commitment among students to improve the reputations and perceptions of their respective organizations.
Senior Danny Bouton, president of Zeta Beta Tau, said that the Greek community doesn’t entirely deserve its reputation but will take Johnes’ suggestions into consideration.
“I think that the only publicity we get is negative publicity,” said Bouton, adding that a great deal of the campus is unaware of the amount of philanthropy events that Greeks engage in. “Most of that is our fault for not marketing ourselves in the correct way. But I think we’re still not exactly sure how [the new policy is] going to work and what’s going to happen. I think we’re still kind of waiting to see how things work out.”
Johnes also stressed that the Row has not become dry, as many students have feared. Greeks may continue to use alcohol during non-house-related activities as long as such use is in accordance with University stipulations. The new University policy only specifies that alcohol may not be served at any Greek-sponsored event specifically intended to promote or recruit the organization, such as parties or rush events.
If members of the Greek community have an appreciation for why these decisions have been reached and are willing to engage in “serious conversations about the organizations’ commitment to the Greek system,” Johnes was confident that the community will have a great deal to offer to the greater campus atmosphere.
Johnes also hopes that the Greek community will dedicate itself to being a “prominent, thriving and exemplary” aspect of University life, “comprised of student leaders who are committed to the good of the community.”
Jill Carnaghi, assistant vice chancellor of students and director of campus life, said that the alcohol policy is meant to allow students to “take a break” from such events and engage in conversation about how the community has been “straying from its founding principles.”
Carnaghi said that the focus has been wrongly placed on alcohol and was concerned that student reaction pitted the University against the students.
“The beauty of being at this University is being able to work with students and not around them. It can’t be ‘we’ against ‘them,'” said Carnaghi. “I am confident that students come to the University with the ability to think critically, make ethical decisions, take responsibility for their actions and care for peers.”
Because of this belief, Carnaghi expressed concern that some Greek leaders have complained about the possibility of increased danger to students due to off-campus and residence hall binge drinking.
The administration has had numerous conversations with Greek organizations over the past few years, and Carnaghi said that “an incredible amount of staff time” has been spent on the issue.
Despite these ongoing conversations, Carnaghi said that recent events have required that a new approach be taken.
“In the past 12 to 18 months, things have gone horribly awry,” she said. “[The Greek community] needs to hold itself to higher standards.”
Like Johnes, Carnaghi stressed that members of the Greek system need to step back and assess their current situation on campus.
“It is time to reflect-is a Greek system something students really want on campus?” said Carnaghi. “There’s responsibility and commitment required outside of the social aspects.”
Carnaghi also noted that there are some chapters on campus who run things “exceptionally well,” and she hopes that Greek life will thrive on campus in the future.
Sorority and fraternity presidents met in their first task force meeting last night. Panhellenic Council President Langley Snyder said those in attendance would discuss goals and “decide where [the Greek community] wants to go.”
Next Monday, an open forum on the subject will be held so that students can participate in a question and answer session with Vice Chancellor of Students James McLeod.