At the University of Maryland, the Greek chapters in both the Panhellenic Association and the International Fraternity Council are known for much more than their philanthropic endeavors. They are categorized into rankings known as the “tier system.” While we have not come to a complete census what qualifies as being top tier, middle tier and bottom tier, these tiers are widely known throughout campus.

The tiers designate what fraternities or sororities you have social events with. It is well known that most chapters will only dive one tier below their ranking. Even though some Greek members may believe that this will promote their sociability and fun, the ranking system can be a bit shallow and biased. Although there is no clear definition, top tier sororities will encompass highly attractive girls, girls who will never say no to a drink and spontaneous chapter members who you are sure to have fun with. Fraternities are very similar. Top tier fraternities will be compromised of handsome men, men who can gulp down dozens of beers in one sitting and men who will do things that others may call daring.

The middle tier and bottom tier below this will encompass these traits but to a lower degree. In each conference, PHA and IFC, there is about 1/3 of all of the chapters in the top tier, 1/3 in middle and 1/3 in the bottom tier. Although we may smile and feel pride when hearing that our chapter is designated as top tier, is it really fair to classify chapters this way? Should a girl or boy feel disappointed when they get a bid to a certain chapter that isn’t top tier? Will they even join the chapter if they are bottom tier? Kappa Alpha Order is a fraternity on the UMD campus that is widely known as one of the top tier chapters at college. We would expect them to be obsessed with this ranking and always classify their social outings by who they are able to spend time with, but not all KA members believe that the tier system is fair. “I don’t like the tier system. Too many people care about it,” says an anonymous KA brother. “When it comes down to it, you should be having fun with the people you get along with.” Although this brother agrees that the tier system seems to be a bit shallow and unfair, he chose to remain anonymous for a valid reason.

When people hear that you are degrading the ranking, they may bully you since they heavily rely on this tier system. You feel embarrassed when you announce who you’re having a party or charity event with if they are lower in the tier system. This is not acceptable. There are, however, no ways that we can change this as a whole. The only way that we can fight back against this suppressive system is to disregard rankings and only spend time with the people who you genuinely like. You should not just hang out with them because you think that it will boost your social standing. If enough people can do this and not worry so much about what other people think, we will hear much less about tiers. No longer will you be worrying what tier you are in and no longer will boys or girls be stressing out when a top tier chapter has dropped them during rush.