Two 'U' fraternities plan to become alcohol-free by 2000

The stereotypical image of a fraternity house looking like a scene from "Animal House" might soon become outdated.

The national leadership of Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Theta fraternities have announced plans for their chapter houses to go alcohol-free by the year 2000, part of a national trend to limit alcohol consumption at fraternity houses.

Both national fraternity organizations said they view this declaration as a chance to eliminate the single biggest risk to safety and return to the basics of the fraternities.

"The overall goal is to provide the best possible and safest living environment," said David Glassman, assistant executive director of Sigma Nu's national organization.

Glassman said the decision to go alcohol-free was not a sudden action, but rather part of a continuous effort to lessen alcohol consumption in the houses.

Rob Pasquinucci, director of communications for Phi Delta Theta's national organization, said the decision was made so the fraternity could reduce the image that alcohol is an integral part of fraternity life and instead return to focusing on the values of fraternal and academic life.

"The general council decided (the fraternity) needed to return to core values," Pasquinucci said.

Local members of the fraternities said they understand why their national committees added these restrictions.

"They felt it would be a reduction of risk at parties," said LSA sophomore Justin Angelino, a member of Sigma Nu. "When alcohol is brought into the picture, bad things can happen."

LSA sophomore Andrew Lower, president of the campus chapter of Phi Delta Theta, said he understands why the national council decided to take this step, especially since the University's chapter has had alcohol-related problems in recent years.

"I definitely think it's necessary," Lower said. "I think the fraternity system itself is misconstrued in the first place," Lower added, referring to a perception linking alcohol and fraternities.

Lower said this step will help ensure Phi Delta Theta's reputation.

Other students not affiliated with the two fraternities said they like the idea, but are skeptical of a fraternity's likelihood of going alcohol-free.

"It's good if it stops them from having big parties where a bunch of people get wasted," said LSA senior Mark Dzendzel, who said he didn't think the idea would work.

LSA sophomore Lee Lazar agreed. "I couldn't imagine something like that happening," he said.

Lazar also said he didn't think this declaration would solve the real problem of drinking on campus.

"Drinking is part of the social scene," Lazar said. "People are going to drink, if not at a fraternity, then somewhere else."

Lazar, a former member of a fraternity, said accidents with alcohol happen all over campus, but that fraternities get more publicity.

"No matter where you are, you have to be responsible for yourself," Lazar said.

Fraternity members, however, said they feel confident that this move toward becoming alcohol-free is realistic.

"It's absolutely realistic," said Lower, who said the three years between now and the alcohol-free target date will allow the fraternity to develop ways to deal with rush and recruiting differently.

Glassman said chapters that do not understand the seriousness of the matter will have penalties to pay.

"The penalties will follow the same line they currently do for infractions," Glassman said. Such penalties could range from probation to having the houses' charter revoked, depending on the severity of the violation.

Glassman also said that almost all other fraternities across the nation are experimenting with alcohol-free policies.

AJA DEKLEVA COHEN/Daily
Phi Delta Theta President Andrew Lower and social chair Robert Rijo sit outside their house on Washtenaw Avenue. The fraternity plans to be alcohol-free by 2000.

04-17-97