The fall semester has begun for most places, and with it comes the approaching of Greek life recruitment across the board. While this can be exciting for sisters and brothers alike, it also means we're about to start talking about our organizations almost nonstop and will often have to deal with the negative reaction people have to the topic of Greek life. Most of the time, the comments come from prospective members who are just worried because of what they've seen on TV or heard about on the internet. However, when it starts to come from people who will never join, but who insist on denouncing Greek life without having a clue what they're talking about, then it starts to really become a problem. I can guarantee I'm not the only person who's entirely done with these attitudes but let me tell you why.

That being said, I recognize that being a sister or a brother isn't something everyone desires. Some people just don't feel called to join Greek life and that's something I completely respect. When someone says to me that they just aren't interested, I don't take it personally. On the flip side, when someone says I'm a terrible person for being a member of the community or telling others considering rushing that they shouldn't because of their opinion of Greek life, that's when I have an issue. We as brothers and sisters don't denounce people who choose not to join us. We also don't go around discouraging people from joining other groups simply because we're not a part of them. No, Greek life isn't for everyone. No, I don't expect everyone to understand what Greek life is really about. However, all I can ask is that you respect us and stop treating us like dirt. You don't have to join, but stop trying to keep others from going out and trying for something they might enjoy.