The Justice

A fifth fraternity has joined Greek life at Brandeis. But what does that mean to this University? Sigma Alpha Mu now joins Phi Kappa Psi, Zeta Beta Tau, Alpha Delta Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi on the list of unrecognized organizations on campus. Although these are some of the biggest names in the fraternity world, they are still subject to the University's unfaltering disapproval and thus forced to remain independent, secretive organizations.

Over 20 years ago, the Board of Trustees voted to prohibit all organizations whose membership is determined by competency or interest and therefore not open to all students. Formation of fraternities and sororities is "inconsistent with the principles of openness to which the University is committed," according to the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. However good-natured as this rule may seem, the University is in fact making the process of joining existing fraternities and sororities even more selective by limiting their presence. If the University recognized such organizations, a greater number of national fraternities and sororities would be more likely to establish chapters on campus, and more students would be able to be a part of them. Because the University chooses not to recognize Greek life, the five fraternities are ultra-selective, directly contradicting Brandeis' rule.

Our school shouldn't continue to ignore the presence of Greek life: It's here, it's happening and it's popular. Fraternities and sororities will remain an integral part of Brandeis' student life whether the University recognizes them or not. Many current and prospective students are drawn to participate in fraternities and sororities. There are many prospective students who would be more likely to consider Brandeis because of increased availability of Greek life.

Of course, Brandeis is going to uphold its original decision until it is convenient to overturn it-much like Brandeis' dedication to the arts was one of its highest priorities up until this year, when principles were replaced with budget cuts. As the economy continues to worsen, perhaps Brandeis will reconsider going against its stated values again with an opportunity to gain revenue by recognizing Greek organizations. This is not a foreign concept: The University plans to close the Rose Art Museum and use the profits to reduce our deficit despite its claim to be committed to the arts. Once Brandeis realizes the added revenue that fraternities would have to pay in "Greek fees" to the University, it could choose to exploit this new source. It is upsetting that our school goes back on its beliefs because of rough financial times, but it is apparent that they do. Though this is not an admirable habit, it could ultimately help encourage the growth of Greek life on campus.

Another point that many fail to realize is how much money our school can potentially make by encouraging the establishment of more fraternities and sororities. Let's say the University purchased a few frat houses. For $389,000, the University could have a four-bedroom house on Main Street. Six to eight students could live in this house. The cost of an on-campus double is more than $5,800 per year, on average. If Brandeis charged the same to fraternity members to live in this house, the property would be completely paid off in eight years. Brandeis would be smart to invest in real estate that has the potential to increase in value over time.

It is not surprising that Greek life continues to thrive. Students clearly want it, and considering the general nature of adolescents to rebel against authoritative figures, they will continue to join Brandeis' unsanctioned fraternities and sororities regardless of the University's standpoint. This aspect of college life seems important enough for students to go against rules and do it anyway. Brandeis should realize that Greek life is something that needs to be recognized.



The writer is a founding father and vice president of the Gamma Chi chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu.

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