With the University's Greek Affairs Task Force about to issue a housing report, we asked 50 alumni what should be done about the absence of sorority accommodations on campus. The respondents agreed overwhelmingly that the system ought to be made more fair. They just disagreed on how.
More than a third--19 alums--said the University should offer housing to sororities (as it did until 1944), even if that means acquiring new houses or converting residences into sorority houses. "Women should have the same opportunity as men," said a family mediator, '55, summing up the consensus. A retired journalist, '49, added, "If we're going to have a relic of the 1920s class system, it at least ought to be equal." A former fraternity member, '33, said, yes, sororities ought to have their own houses, "but they should come forward with most of the money to pay for them."
Another third--16 alums--said the best way to achieve equality is to toss fraternity members out of their houses. "Housing shouldn't be allocated to groups that select members using such subjective criteria," said a nonprofit executive, '67. Some alums actively objected to residential fraternity life. "They propagate a form of sexism and rowdy behavior," said an investment counselor, '87.
A sizable minority of 12 advocated leaving well enough alone. "I'm not a big fan of the Greek system, but I don't think the fraternities' houses should be taken away," said a technology executive, '76. A lawyer, '83, argued for maintaining the status quo. "It was a mistake to take away the sorority houses," she said, "but it's too difficult to recreate them."
Next issue: Alcohol on campus
