In defense of the Greek system

Hazing. Discrimination. Pressure. Disorders. These, unfortunately, are but a few of the words that come to mind when some Columbians picture a fraternity. In reflecting on a sorority, there are many who cite eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, alcoholism, and other negative qualities. Especially with the wave of hazing-related deaths, accidents, and mistakes within the past decade, the argument about the abolition of Greek social life at universities and colleges across the country has reached an all-time high. Now the issue has arrived in Morningside Heights, as Barnard College’s Student Government Association recently voted to recognize Greek letter organizations. This comes as a momentous decision for the school, as these groups have lacked recognition there for decades.

Many opponents of the recognition, here at our school and at others across the nation, denounced Greek organizations as bodies that may have started with lofty ideals, but that have degenerated into 24/7, 365-days-a-year party spaces, à la Animal House. Contrary to these beliefs, however, service in fraternities and sororities is alive and well. Separate from philanthropy, which is defined as the donation of money to a particular organization, service entails dedicating hours of the brothers’ and sisters’ time to causes that are important to them.

The Beta Theta Pi chapter at Columbia University, for example, sent members of the current semester’s pledge class to Nourishing NYC, a soup kitchen and aid center for the needy. The pledges spent an afternoon unpacking boxes of food, storing them in the center’s pantry, and packing bags of food to be given out the following week by Nourishing NYC’s new distribution van. They also helped to film the new commercial for YouTube, showcasing notices about the center. As Ben Ramalanjaona, a member of the pledge class, said, “It’s really great to get the feeling of giving back.” This is hardly an isolated incident, as the national fraternity encourages all new members to help out through a service project of their choice. According to the national website, betathetapi.org, the purpose of the organization is “to develop men of principle for a principled life.”

At first glance, it may seem that these opportunities are available from other bodies on campus, and this is true. Columbia is different by most college standards due to its high levels of community service, evidenced by groups like Community Impact, Habitat for Humanity, and the increasingly popular Columbia Urban Experience, which acquaints first-years with the myriad chances to volunteer in Harlem and the surrounding areas. What sets Greek letter societies apart, however, is the fact that service is just one element of participation and membership in the groups. Greeks go above and beyond volunteering a few hours per week, or per month. When they pledge themselves to the fraternities, they forge deeper friendships than are often found in more temporal commitments. They provide outlets for similar individuals to share experiences, create new ones, and to grow together.

These sorts of bonds are incredibly important in a city like the one in which we live. While there is an astounding amount of things to do here, and an even more astounding number of people milling about doing those things, it can be very alienating not to be part of a tight-knit group. For those who think that Greek life is for them (and it is certainly not for everyone), it is an invaluable addition to a great college experience.

These are but a few examples of the countless contributions that Greek organizations across the country make every year, contributions that are overlooked by those who would see some of the oldest collegiate traditions disappear. While certain chapters are in need of revitalization and some, even, of correction, it is important to take into consideration what they provide for so many undergraduates: brothers and sisters. Barnard SGA’s decision is to be applauded, and it is time for many students here to look beyond their previous conceptions of Greek life.

The author is a Columbia College sophomore majoring in Russian and political science. He is a new member of Beta Theta Pi.