The Problem With Greek Life Is Not Greek Life
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Problem With Greek Life Is Not Greek Life

It is unfortunate that situations like these bring such negative attention to Greek life.

236
The Problem With Greek Life Is Not Greek Life
Murray State University

Going through formal Greek recruitment is intended to be a happy time. It's when you find your home, your best friends, and you can finally wear those Greek letters you've been aching to wear. When you're in college, you think you're invincible.

Hazing is defined as the action of hazing; especially: an initiation process involving harassment.

In early February, Timothy Piazza had just received a bid to Beta Theta Pi at Penn State. They had "run the gantlet-- a series of stations where they guzzled beer, wine, and vodka as fast as they could." Piazza fell down the stairs after "excessively drinking but no one called for help for more than 12 hours, according to police." He tried to stand up several times but would fall and hit his head. His fraternity brothers "stepped over him." Eventually, Piazza fell down the basement steps and was not found until the next morning. 'When fraternity members found him, unconscious, cold to the touch, and with blood on his face the next morning, it was more than 40 minutes before they called 911."

"Eight fraternity members were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Other charges included hazing, aggravated and simple assault, alcohol-related violations and evidence tampering."

Hazing is a serious problem within both sororities and fraternities. 44 out of 50 states have laws against hazing. Those without hazing laws include Hawaii, Montana, Alaska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. Unfortunately, hazing continues in states that have laws against it. It will continue as long as these organizations only get a "slap on the wrist."

Each school needs to have the proper repercussions to avoid these kinds of situations.

It is unfortunate that situations like these bring such negative attention to Greek life.

Hazing doesn't define Greek life. Not every fraternity and sorority does it. Because most sororities and fraternities require a minimum GPA to join and to stay active, students involved in Greek life tend to have a higher GPA than those not Greek. The all-Greek average — which includes organizations in the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Panhellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council — was 3.32, while the total undergraduate GPA was 3.20.

Greek life also does incredible philanthropic work. In 2014, Thought Catalog wrote: "85% of the executives of Fortune 500 companies were Greek; All but 2 of our presidents since 1825 have been Greek; The overall Greek GPA is higher than the overall collegiate GPA; 20% more Greeks graduate from college than do non-Greek students; As undergraduates, Greeks raise over $7 million per year for charity."

Ultimately, Greek life is not the problem-- it's the people in it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54105
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34825
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957196
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182376
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments