Spring Break
OP-ED: Greeks are leaders among us
by Daniel Rueven
Op-Ed | 10/23/07
Posted online at 11:22 PM EST on 10/22/07
/ Last updated at 1:14 AM EST on 10/22/07
The administration's demand that Zeta Beta Tau remove the Brandeis name from the fraternity's Web site set off a storm of debate. This debate, however, quickly turned into a series of bashing and defending of fraternities, sororities and their existence within the Brandeis community. Some students, myself included, have stated that Greek life has a right to exist here, while others have stated that it has no place and should have no status at an institution like Brandeis.
From the debate, it is clear that most people agree on a few things: Brandeis was founded as a nonsectarian University with Jewish ideals in mind; the Board of Trustees decided on May 28, 1988 to ban Greek organizations from holding activities on campus as well as from using any campus facilities; the current students at Brandeis aren't outlandishly complaining about Greek life as some of the alumni are; and Greek life has had a positive effect on those who have been involved or had contact with it.
So what is the purpose of this op-ed? To show that Greek life exists and is thriving within the Brandeis community. We can help the Brandeis student body. It does not mean that Greek organizations will throw "keggers" on campus or even hold alcohol related events. In fact, students who are in a fraternity or sorority are also strong members and leaders of the University Board of Student Conduct, the Student Union, the Union Judiciary, Positive Foundations, Student Events, a capella groups, varsity athletic teams, the Waltham Group, the Business Club, WBRS, Mock Trial, campus publications and Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps, among other activities and organizations.
Over the past year, there have been several improvements in the fraternity and sorority community at Brandeis. The Office of Admissions has started to mention Greek life in its tours, while people are actively seeking opportunities and asking questions about how to be involved with Greek life. Greek organizations are holding charity events that involve more of the student body and are throwing events in conjunction with other student groups. The number of Brandeis students involved with Greek life will be in excess of 200 by the end of the semester.
From the debate, it is clear that most people agree on a few things: Brandeis was founded as a nonsectarian University with Jewish ideals in mind; the Board of Trustees decided on May 28, 1988 to ban Greek organizations from holding activities on campus as well as from using any campus facilities; the current students at Brandeis aren't outlandishly complaining about Greek life as some of the alumni are; and Greek life has had a positive effect on those who have been involved or had contact with it.
So what is the purpose of this op-ed? To show that Greek life exists and is thriving within the Brandeis community. We can help the Brandeis student body. It does not mean that Greek organizations will throw "keggers" on campus or even hold alcohol related events. In fact, students who are in a fraternity or sorority are also strong members and leaders of the University Board of Student Conduct, the Student Union, the Union Judiciary, Positive Foundations, Student Events, a capella groups, varsity athletic teams, the Waltham Group, the Business Club, WBRS, Mock Trial, campus publications and Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps, among other activities and organizations.
Over the past year, there have been several improvements in the fraternity and sorority community at Brandeis. The Office of Admissions has started to mention Greek life in its tours, while people are actively seeking opportunities and asking questions about how to be involved with Greek life. Greek organizations are holding charity events that involve more of the student body and are throwing events in conjunction with other student groups. The number of Brandeis students involved with Greek life will be in excess of 200 by the end of the semester.
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