Greeks set new policies into place

By Hanna LoPatin

Daily Staff Reporter

The Greek system, under fire in recent years for hazing and alcohol incidents, has put several new policies into effect this year in an attempt to limit future problems.

Interfraternity Council President Adam Silver said at least five fraternities received IFC citations for violating the policies last weekend.

"We did write up the houses that did violate them," Silver said.

"Again it's a new policy so we're still working on the logistics of how to monitor them," he said. "I think people were trying to follow the rules."

This year fraternities are not allowed to have more than 20 non-Greek members at a party before rush.

"We don't want new students going there," Silver said, saying that freshman are unaware of responsible drinking.

In monitoring the past week's parties, Silver said "I've seen lots of freshmen turned down."

In checking on the fraternities, Silver said the Social Responsibility Committee, a self-governing body of the Greek system, looks primarily for the presence of wristbands.

But some freshmen males said many of the fraternities did not hand out bracelets while others handed out many more than 20. The students said if the "girl to guy ratio" was good, they were able to get in. One fraternity, they said, had a sign that invited students to, "Bring an M-Card and a girl and you're in."

LSA freshman Danielle Kirov said she saw more than 20 non-Greek members at parties she attended. The parties "were filled with freshman all over." But Kirov said there was trouble getting into some fraternities. "They only let in hot chicks."

Another dramatic change to the Greek system prohibits sororities to co-sponsor parties serving alcohol. The definition of a party differs across the board, Silver said, but the policy does place an "economic burden" on fraternities.

Silver said he has not seen a shortage of parties during this year's Welcome Week, but that he is curious to see how fraternities handle it in the future.

Sororities will be allowed to co-finance events serving alcohol at third-party vendors, taking away the "burden of responsibility," Silver said.

After hazing incidents took place last year, a task force was formed to provide a way to investigate and try such occurrences. The term of the original task force members has ended, but IFC will be taking applications to form a new task force at beginning at their meeting today.

The group will be independent from IFC "will be a pro-active group," he said.

The Zeta Beta Tau fraternity has appealed an IFC decision to remove them from campus after an alleged hazing incident involving the spraying of bleach on a pledge. Their suspension has since been suspended and things are looking very good, Silver said.

They are being "very productive and working with us," he said.