Recently, there has been a lot of tension around the Greek world in college. Alcohol, drugs, and hazing has been an important topic that has been addressed by Colleges and Universities around the country. Many schools such as the University of South Carolina, have started to implement new rules against the way the Greek's can conduct their functions, members, and social outings. While the acts of trying to reduce hospital visits and Greek hazing is very beneficial, many schools have been using the Sorority women as an object of war against the Fraternity men.
First off, media has always portrayed a sorority woman as some sort of prize the fraternity men receive or as a way to lure more guys into joining their frat. This picture that has been painted has been a very hard stereotype sororities have to face everyday. A sorority has more meaning than girls that go to frat parties or tailgate. They participate in the bettering of society through philanthropy work and create a network of girls around the country that share a common interest which can lead to job opportunities. Their leadership roles within each chapter and outside on the National Panhellenic level can increase a woman's chance of success. I am not saying that being in a Fraternity will not do the same thing for men, because it definitely will, but the media sure has not shown these beneficial aspects of sorority life.
Secondly, Colleges and Universities are not helping the sorority stereotype by punishing the sororities for the acts of fraternities. Many schools have cancelled sorority functions and limited the outings sorority members can attend because fraternities have been known to influence unhealthy behaviors. Some places have even been known to keep fraternity functions but limit the sororities from attending their functions as a sort of way to stop the fraternities from participating in these unhealthy practices. The message they are sending is that a sorority woman is the reason some frats are getting in trouble. Instead of trying to educate and place stricter rules on the fraternities that schools are having troubles with, they are limiting the sororities hoping that the "boys won't want to do anything without their women." Personally, I believe that is a completely sexist ideal and sets the foundations of a sorority women back in progression. As a University or College that hopes to create a an equal and fair environment for their students, they are obviously not seeing the point when punishing the sororities as an indirect way to punish the fraternities. In all fairness they need to stop cutting the corners and make a direct hit on their target if they really want to be respectful to both genders.
Most importantly, Greek life is one. As a Greek participant, maintaining a healthy relationship and being unified should be the main goal. Both sides must support each other and not be used as ammo for a war on one side. If there is a problem then it should be addressed in an equal way. A sorority woman is not a prize for a fraternity man and vice versa, really, this should never have to be an issue. Being a Greek means being part of something bigger than yourself and that comes with a lot of respect and responsibility. Lately, maybe some have not taken that completely to heart but it is not the University or College's job to destroy the unity Greeks have in the process of reform. Steps to reformation must comply with both sides equally and be a positive change in progression. If a school cannot meet these expectations how can they expect the societies to meet their demands.
