Members of fraternities and sororities are considered to be the elite of the US college system. These communities are hard to get into and have an extensive list of notable ex-members. A long selection process in fraternities is followed by hazing, which involves wild activities, heavy drinking, and dangerous trials. Osterndorf states, “at least one student has died as a result of hazing every year since 1970” (par. 10). Other concerns about fraternities and sororities include racism, binge drinking, and sexism. Class inequality is also a persistent issue, even though such student organizations are supposed to be welcoming and promote a family-like environment. The difference between the intended purpose and the actual influence of sororities and fraternities has raised many concerns among the general public. Nowadays, sororities and fraternities pose a substantial risk to entire college communities; they promote unhealthy and even dangerous behavior, and the only option to subvert the negative effects is to ban these organizations.
There are significant dangers and examples of harmful behavior in most Greek college organizations. For example, Frost argues, “members not only drink in higher quantities, but they also do so much more frequently, thereby ‘setting a norm for heavy drinking’” (par. 10). Another risk is the potential for sexual assault. According to Osterndorf, “fraternity members are three times more likely to rape than other students, and sorority members […] are 74 percent more likely to be raped” (par. 17). However, gender is not the only risk factor; most members of fraternities are rude and even aggressive towards other races: “Race has become a crucible for the Greek system as of late, whether through offensive parties or persistent segregation […] racist attitudes persist not despite fraternity tradition, but because of it” (Osterndorf par. 19). Thus, frats and sororities pose a risk to any student in close vicinity of the partying organization. This negative influence completely undermines the definition of a great college experience, which lies in making friends and enjoying active socialization. Osterndorf notes, “While college is usually acknowledged as a time to find acceptance, these fraternities’ attitudes reinforce just the opposite: that there is no valid acceptance except that which comes from your most immediate peer group” (par. 20).
The only way to stop the damage coming from fraternities and sororities to college communities is to ban them from the US college system altogether. However, some critics of fraternity and sorority ban fear that the organizations “will simply move underground” (Frost par. 5), making them harder to control. However, Frost thinks that this would still have a positive impact on college communities. To stay discreet, fraternities and sororities would have to become more careful in their activities. Moreover, the recruitment process would become harder: if they “can’t openly recruit, […] their numbers take yet another hit” (Frost par. 13). The scale of events would go down significantly, thus reducing the consequences. Over time, students will find other, safer ways to socialize and make new connections. Student communities overall will become more inclusive and friendly, and the interest in sororities and fraternities will gradually decline.
Overall, I believe that the disadvantages of fraternities and sororities far outweigh their perceived benefits. As Frost notes, “Fraternity mission statements talk about leadership, philanthropy, community service, character and brotherhood” (par. 2). Nevertheless, they pose a substantial risk of violence and sexual assaults on the college communities. Furthermore, they promote destructive behavior, such as heavy drinking and hazing. Fraternities and sororities might have been beneficial family-like structures before, and some of the sororities and fraternities could still maintain high standards. On the whole, however, they undoubtedly inflict more harm than good and thus have to be banned. Lack of Greek college structures would not bring an end to college partying and socialization; rather, it would improve the safety of college communities.
Works Cited
- Frost, Aja. “The Time Has Come to End Frats.” USA Today. 2015. Web.
- Osterndorf, Chris. “Will Ferrell is Right – It’s Time to Ban Frats.” The Daily Dot. 2015. Web.