Whether you love it, hate it or choose to ignore it, Greek life thrives at UB, continuing to attract and initiate new members into its organizations. However, due to the actions of some, it has somewhat deservedly acquired a bad rap and regrettably the bad often tends to overshadow the positive.
Granted, our Greek life is not the same as at other schools where Greeks are a dominant force, but nonetheless the three to four percent of undergraduates that make up the Greek community at UB are and must continue to be a positive force on campus.
Unfortunately, due to a number of discipline issues, including problems with underage drinking, failure to abide by UB's Greek Affairs code of conduct and a number of underground organizations causing trouble both on and off campus, UB administration is quickly losing faith in the Greek system and beginning to question its place on campus.
Just last weekend, a number of members of a fraternity not affiliated with the university were suspended after throwing open-house parties in the University Heights area.
Add to these problems the ever-ominous subject of hazing, and officials have a reason to be concerned.
Our university defines hazing as the following: "Any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule."
Although when it comes down to it, the definition of hazing is vague and can be interpreted in different ways by different people. The message, however, is obvious. People know when hazing occurs, and they know it's not permissible. It may be an easy thing to brush aside, but the consequences of hazing can be grim.
Take for instance the death of Benjamin Klein, a member of the fraternity Zeta Beta Tau at Alfred University. After being beaten by his frat brothers for revealing hazing rituals, Klein died at the age of 21. His death inspired Alfred University to follow in the footsteps of schools such as Middlebury, Dartmouth and Williams, and eliminate all campus Greek life.
Luckily UB has never seen such tragedy, but hazing most certainly still exists. Last fall, four members of an off-campus fraternity were arrested and charged with hazing after an apparent kidnapping.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a Greek myself. I know that sororities and fraternities are also capable of doing a lot of good on campus, and we have proved it on multiple occasions.
In 2004 Greek organizations raised $15,000 as a result of philanthropic programs and events, and donated 4,400 hours of community service.
It doesn't end there. Greeks sponsor and participate in well-known events at UB such as the March of Dimes and Buffalo News Kids Day. They also support the Hospice Foundation and a variety of other community-oriented foundations.
It is simply not true that sororities and fraternities are solely breeding grounds for drinking, partying and socializing.
There may be organizations that bring down the Greek image, but all cannot be judged by the actions of few. The key to surpassing all stereotypes of our Greek life as lazy, apathetic and unconcerned is simple: involvement.
Most people pledge to become part of something bigger than themselves; to get involved in both the UB and Buffalo community, to form priceless relationships and to network for the future.
At the University at Buffalo you will never be defined by whether or not you are a Greek. Those of us who are, however, must make a conscious effort to not only improve our image in the eyes of administration, but to continue our efforts to ensure that Greek life is a positive entity that is respected and supported.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
