News from the Industry

Two opinion pieces in national outlets this week highlight voices that argue for reconsidering single-gender status and taking a more aggressive stand against racism, respectively. The first is a New York Times opinion piece written by Stanford sorority member Kiley Roache; she makes a case for radically changing the Greek system on campus. The benefits and merits of Greek life are worth defending, she writes, but those who support Greek life also have a blind spot when it comes to gender separation and gender roles. “Greek life needs to change,” she writes. “In its current form, it fosters not just fun and friendship but also inequality. At a time when many dorms have gender-mixed floors, and a full generation after most single-sex schools began admitting both sexes, these organizations seem like relics. Fraternities and sororities must make a number of changes to ensure their survival, starting with going coed.” The second appeared in Huffington Post and makes the case that Greek life must take racism as seriously as it does hazing. In addition to a series of specific critiques, the author also highlights positive developments led by the Interfraternity Council at UCLA—including their coordination of a recent panel discussion on race, culture, and difference. 

In a conference coordinated by Penn State president Eric Barron, officials from Penn State, Iowa, and Nebraska—all Big Ten institutions—convened officials from 31 institutions this week to join forces in considering how to address hazing, un-safe behavior, and the future of Greek systems on their respective campuses. Ideas proposed include “the development of a national scorecard, uniform consequences (across universities) and consistent data gathering.” Other topics addressed included deferred recruitment, the values of fraternal organizations and inclusion—and, specifically, the lack of diversity in most chapters. The Chronicle of Higher Education also published a lengthy piece this week—including an interview with Barron—timed with the convening of the aforementioned conference.

Following the leak of a racist and anti-Semitic skit, Theta Tau fraternity at Syracuse University has been permanently expelled. The fraternity chapter later released a statement apologizing, saying the skit depicted on video was meant to be "satirical,” reports CNN. An investigation into the members involved with the video is currently progressing.

The Orlando Sentinel, Vice News, as well as other outlets have reported on a University of Central Florida incident regarding two members of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. The two members have been arrested for alleged gang rape during an off-campus party.   

Both The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times have coverage reviewing the latest developments at Cal Poly, a campus that has been rocked by high profile racist incidents and cultural appropriation from members of the Greek community. 

This week, a bedridden 92-year-old World War II veteran fulfilled a dying wish—to dance with a beautiful woman. Navy veteran Paul Sonnier was the guest of honor at a party thrown by Phi Mu Sorority at the University of Southern Mississippi. According to Fox News, Sonnier "danced" to the music as he grasped hands with his hosts from his bed.

Workforce Update

Assistant Director of Finance Christine Lorkowski is pleased to announce Anne Atkinson Fields, Delta Omicron/Alabama, as the new budget district director (BDD) in College District VI.

Year-End and Expense Reports

The Fraternity’s 2017-18 fiscal year ends June 30. Because some of your expenses may be for the 2018-19 fiscal year, please note on your submitted expenses if they are for the 2017-18 or 2018-19 fiscal year.

2017-18 expenses will be accepted until, but no later than, July 31. No exceptions to this deadline will be granted, as the Fraternity’s audit begins in August. Please submit your invoices in a timely manner. Also remember that, in accordance with the Fraternity’s travel policy, only expenses submitted within 90 days of expenditure will be reimbursed. If you have any questions, please contact your staff partner.

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