Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I am not a member of a fraternity, however, I attended the forum on fraternities and sororities hosted by Dr. Herzberger several weeks ago because I was interested in finding out what the issues surrounding Greeks at Trinity are. Likewise I read the article on this meeting in the October 5 issue of the Tripod with interest and was struck by several statements Dr. Herzberger made in that article. In the closing paragraph she said, "Some people felt at the forum that a big part of the existence of Greek organizations is their use as the last place where students can drink the way they want. This concerns me greatly." I seem to remember the comments of many students a little differently. The general explanation for the upsurge in pledges that many Greeks have experienced this year was because of the perception among students that there is nothing else to do on campus anymore. I don't seem to recall the existence of fraternities and the fact that they have become the campus speakeasies ever being linked. In my opinion, the increase in popularity of fraternities and sororities has nothing to do with actions that fraternities have taken, but has everything to do with the actions of the administration, which can only be called boneheaded. The Greeks didn't close the View. The Greeks didn't mandate that students over 21 can only have four drinks at parties. The Greeks didn't deem that we can't have our doors open in our rooms while we are drinking a beer. These policy changes, while a reaction to past abuses, have only served to make the dorms bunkhouses instead of residences. It is not the fraternities doings that have made them the social outlet of choice this year. There are nonalcoholic events that are held in Vernon Center, but how many karaoke nights can you have? This isn't summer camp. If Dr. Herzberger is truly concerned about the consumption of alcohol at Greeks, she should first look at the consequences of the adminis-tration's policies before going after the Greeks. She also stated that the burden rests on Greek organizations to prove themselves on this campus. I came away from the meeting with the impression that Greeks were very aware of that fact. However, many who attended from Greeks held a somewhat fatalistic view of the situation in that they felt that no matter what they did, they could not change people's minds. The burden may indeed be on the Greeks, but the administration can help in publicizing the charitable activities Greeks do. What I heard on the part of many brothers and sisters in attendance was a plea for this kind of help. Vice President Herzberger, they are asking for your help. The least you can do is be honest with not only the Greeks, but with the student body as a whole in what the administration is willing to do to help the Greeks become an asset to Trinity. Sincerely, Jack Hoblitzell '00

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

I am not a member of a fraternity, however, I attended the forum on fraternities and sororities hosted by Dr. Herzberger several weeks ago because I was interested in finding out what the issues surrounding Greeks at Trinity are. Likewise I read the article on this meeting in the October 5 issue of the Tripod with interest and was struck by several statements Dr. Herzberger made in that article.

In the closing paragraph she said, "Some people felt at the forum that a big part of the existence of Greek organizations is their use as the last place where students can drink the way they want. This concerns me greatly." I seem to remember the comments of many students a little differently. The general explanation for the upsurge in pledges that many Greeks have experienced this year was because of the perception among students that there is nothing else to do on campus anymore. I don't seem to recall the existence of fraternities and the fact that they have become the campus speakeasies ever being linked. In my opinion, the increase in popularity of fraternities and sororities has nothing to do with actions that fraternities have taken, but has everything to do with the actions of the administration, which can only be called boneheaded. The Greeks didn't close the View. The Greeks didn't mandate that students over 21 can only have four drinks at parties. The Greeks didn't deem that we can't have our doors open in our rooms while we are drinking a beer. These policy changes, while a reaction to past abuses, have only served to make the dorms bunkhouses instead of residences. It is not the fraternities doings that have made them the social outlet of choice this year. There are nonalcoholic events that are held in Vernon Center, but how many karaoke nights can you have? This isn't summer camp. If Dr. Herzberger is truly concerned about the consumption of alcohol at Greeks, she should first look at the consequences of the adminis-tration's policies before going after the Greeks.

She also stated that the burden rests on Greek organizations to prove themselves on this campus. I came away from the meeting with the impression that Greeks were very aware of that fact. However, many who attended from Greeks held a somewhat fatalistic view of the situation in that they felt that no matter what they did, they could not change people's minds. The burden may indeed be on the Greeks, but the administration can help in publicizing the charitable activities Greeks do. What I heard on the part of many brothers and sisters in attendance was a plea for this kind of help. Vice President Herzberger, they are asking for your help. The least you can do is be honest with not only the Greeks, but with the student body as a whole in what the administration is willing to do to help the Greeks become an asset to Trinity.

Sincerely,
Jack Hoblitzell '00