The Unseen Consequences of Greek Life: a Call for Change

Rushing season is a time when men and women strive to secure a bid from their desired Greek organizations. A significant amount of money is spent to ensure they present themselves in the best possible light and leave a good impression. This traditional event has been a cornerstone of college campuses for over a century, with many students eagerly anticipating the opportunity to participate. Greek organizations dedicate weeks before a semester to meticulously plan their rushing process, aiming to attract new members who will consider them a home away from home.

Greek life has become an integral part of the college experience, with approximately 9 million students and alumni involved in fraternities and sororities across North America, making up about 3 percent of the population. Despite its popularity, Greek life has been criticized for perpetuating rape culture on college campuses, an issue that demands urgent attention and action.

Historical Context

To understand Greek life, we must delve into its origins. In 1776, John Heath, a student at The College of William & Mary, created the first collegiate Greek organization, Phi Beta Kappa, after being rejected by two Latin societies on campus. The Greek letters used in the organization’s name served as an acronym for its motto, "Philosophia Biou Kuberentes," or "Philosophy is the helmsman of life." Although this marked the beginning of Greek-lettered organizations, it took more than 50 years for the first sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, to emerge, and even longer for organizations for people of color to be established. Racial tensions on campuses led Black students to create their own Greek organizations, known as the Divine Nine, which paved the way for other marginalized groups to form their own communities.

Issue Around White Fraternities

From a socialist feminist perspective, class privilege and gender inequality are major contributors to sexual assault on college campuses. Research indicates that sexual victimization occurs at increased rates during fraternity parties. Jessica Valenti, in her article, highlights alarming statistics, such as "Frat brothers rape 300% more," and "One in 5 women is sexually assaulted on campus." At Tulane University, for example, girls were warned to avoid certain fraternity houses known for drugging women. Studies suggest that the culture within fraternities fosters sexual assault, with a focus on "hooking up" competitions among men. White fraternities, which outnumber other organizations, are often seen as the primary perpetuators of this culture due to their power and privilege on campus.

While wealth does not directly contribute to sexual assault, it often comes with social power and privilege. This power dynamic is evident in Greek life, where membership fees generally attract individuals from higher social classes. Fraternities, in particular, have higher dues due to the costs associated with insurance and legal fees stemming from fraternity-related incidents, such as deaths or paralyzing injuries.

Women and College Parties

College parties are recognized by many students, especially women, as environments where sexual assault can occur. Victim-blaming is pervasive, discouraging women from reporting their experiences. In one case, Liz Seccuro wrote about her assault at the University of Virginia in the 1980s, where fraternity alumni kept the incident a secret for 22 years. Similarly, at Baylor University, a former fraternity president received a lenient punishment after raping a woman at a fraternity party.

These incidents highlight the lack of serious consequences for perpetrators, perpetuating rape culture on campuses. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, traces of a date rape drug were found in the blood of five women at separate parties hosted by fraternities. Similarly, at Colorado State University, a woman was found dead at a fraternity house, yet the organization remains active today.

Accessible Data and Current Policies

Universities must take action to address this ongoing issue, making cases of sexual assault more accessible and transparent to students. Many survivors do not report incidents due to fears of not being believed or receiving support. Under the Trump administration, the College Sexual-Assault policy requires universities to investigate allegations only if reported to the correct administrative official, a departure from the Obama administration’s more inclusive guidelines. This shift raises concerns about the role of survivors in the investigative process and the standard of evidence required.

Significance to Women and Gender Studies

The topic of rape, particularly its contributing factors, is significant to the field of Women and Gender Studies. The Greek life rape culture exemplifies the patriarchal society and gender oppression explored in these courses. It is crucial to educate students, especially those affiliated with Greek life, about the inherent dangers and responsibilities associated with this culture.

Plan of Action

Cultural shifts are necessary to combat institutionalized gender inequity and privilege on campuses. Women need to be seen as authority figures and included in policy decisions. We must believe and support survivors, challenging the mindset that minimizes or excuses past incidents. Colleges should adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing rape culture, including educational courses for Greek life members and open discussions about the issues at fraternity parties. By educating students early on and holding men accountable for their actions, we can work towards dismantling the established rape culture on campuses.

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