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Ever since I was a child, I have always fantasized about living in a sorority house during my time in college. The stories of girls finding lifelong friendships and a supportive community in an entirely new environment greatly appealed to me. However, my perception of this dream was shattered when I uncovered the truth behind the recruitment process and the Greek life system.

First of all, the recruitment process is not only intense but anxiety-inducing, with certain sororities only accepting girls who fit into a particular mold. In this process, girls are judged based on their appearance, personality and socioeconomic status, making the entire process shallow and disheartening. Moreover, the Greek life system is marred by numerous fraternity incidents involving hazing, sexual assault, bullying and excessive substance abuse.

Hazing, an initiation tradition in some fraternities, encompasses various activities that range from subtle interactions and activities to violent harassment. For example, “pledges,” or students hoping to join a fraternity or sorority, may be forced to perform humiliating tasks, prohibited from sleeping or showering and subjected to excessive drinking, beatings, etc. Although every national college with a Greek life system has banned hazing, fraternities, and sororities have found ways to incorporate it into their pledging process. This dark underbelly of Greek life raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of college students participating in these organizations. 

In recent news, San Diego State University (SDSU) has taken a decisive step by suspending seven fraternities due to an ongoing investigation into code of conduct violations. 

“Interim suspensions are put into place as part of an effort to address behavioral concerns within a recognized student organization while the concerns are investigated,” Associate Director of the Life Advisory Team at SDSU Kristen Lemaster said. 

Despite the school’s extensive history of Greek life issues, these incidents have persisted. Just six months ago, a former SDSU student nearly lost their life in a hazing incident while pledging to Kappa Sigma, leading to a lawsuit. The San Diego Union-Tribune further revealed that between 2014 and 2019, 19 of SDSU’s sororities and fraternities were involved in legal incidents, resulting in at least 365 students being hospitalized for drug and alcohol-related problems.

However, SDSU is not an isolated case. According to Hank Nuwer, a journalism professor at Franklin College, there have been more than 250 hazing deaths at American schools since the 1800s. 

All these events prompt an essential question: why do universities condone these organizations? Numerous studies indicate that alcohol abuse is more prevalent among Greek students than their peers and initiation into these organizations is linked to long-term drug use and binge drinking. It is perplexing that college leaders often overlook this issue, given that hazing, bullying, predatory behavior and binge drinking can result in lasting physical and emotional damage. While one possible explanation could be pressure from alumni donors who cherish their Greek experiences, some colleges, such as Amherst and Middlebury, have successfully abolished the Greek system and fundraised profitably.

Despite the negative reputation certain fraternities and sororities carry, students are drawn to Greek life in college for the networking and philanthropy opportunities it presents. The allure lies in the chance to build connections that extend the academic realm, as joining a fraternity or sorority offers a platform to meet new people, establish relationships and contribute meaningfully to a community. 

While Greek life is undoubtedly a pathway to social engagement, a deeper examination of college environments reveals that alternative, safer avenues exist for forging better connections and creating significant relationships. Students can explore similar opportunities by becoming active members of clubs and organizations that align with their interests and passions, opening doors to friendships that extend beyond the confines of Greek life. By diversifying their approach, students increase their chances of discovering a community that truly resonates with their values and provides the support they need during their college journey. Ultimately, the key to having a positive experience lies in finding an environment that aligns with personal goals and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond the superficial appeal of a fraternity or sorority.