Greeks pass alcohol policy to improve student safety

After months of discussions and study, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association passed a measure last night to implement a new alcohol policy for the Greek community.

Panhel approved the measure by a vote of 14 to 2 and IFC approved the measure by a vote of 16 to 4, with one abstention.

The newly passed policy states that, "The Social Environment Management Policy aims to provide the safest possible social atmosphere for the members of the Greek community and their guests while allowing those attendees to exercise the personal responsibility afforded to college students within the limit of the law."

Although the policy is completely new, there are three specific additions that are particularly radical in contrast to the old policy.

"Friends" parties - guest list parties that are not co-hosted by a sorority - are outlawed from May 1 of each year through the end of fall fraternity rush. Fraternities and sororities hosting parties will also be required to hand out wrist bands to guests who are not members of the hosting houses. Each chapter must also sponsor or attend at least one alcohol education program per semester.

The new policy was composed by the Social Environment Task Force. The task force was created in September by then IFC and Panhel presidents Brad Holcman and Mary Gray in order to create a safer environment for social events, Panhel President Cindy Faulk said.

Some members of the 14 person task force, who are all Greek community members, said they are glad that the policy passed.

"I am ecstatic that the new policy has been passed. It is great that the Greek community pulled together and did something for the community," said Sarah Sarosi, task force co-chair.

Although the new policy passed with a resounding majority, there were still a few dissenting opinions.

"I do not think that the new policy is a big negative. I feel that the intent behind the policy is good, but there are certain items that will hurt or impede or social environment in the future," Chi Psi President Jason Shane said.

One of the strongest arguments against the new policy was made in opposition to the mandatory 15 week social probation given to any house having a keg or hosting a "Friends" party where alcohol is present, within the restricted time frame. Sorority and fraternity members said that the penalty

04-15-99