Last week, a column written by Chris Norris-LeBlanc '13 ("Wriston — Shape up, or ship out," Nov. 4) accused the Greek system of encouraging sexual assault, brainwashing its members and generally providing no positive service to the University. The column describes Wriston Quad as an anarchical black hole where sexual assault is not only actively encouraged, but also protected, alternately likening Wriston to Las Vegas and portraits of violence in the media. He accuses Greeks of institutionalizing sexual assault by stripping them of their individual principles and forcing them to conform to the "archetypal oafish behavior of a ‘frat boy.'"
We can only assume that Norris-LeBlanc has never actually been to Wriston and is instead characterizing fraternities based on the caricatures set out in various straight-to-DVD lowbrow comedies (we recommend "American Pie Presents: Beta House," it's a great film). Norris-LeBlanc's perception of fraternities as "a collection of glorified party-planning committees" is woefully uninformed, and we seek to dispel the negative stereotypes put forth in his column here.
Wriston Quad is not a haven for sexual assault, nor is such behavior encouraged or even tolerated by its residents. Norris-LeBlanc believes that there is an unspoken code among Greeks that "what happens on Wriston, stays on Wriston." You will not hear people speak of such a code, nor will you find it written down.
The reason, of course, is because there is no such code. If you ask a Greek about it, you are likely to be met with a quizzical expression or perhaps outright laughter. Wriston is not an entity that exists outside of the University's control, nor do its residents receive special treatment from the University by virtue of their Greek status. Fraternities do not seek to protect risky behavior by insulating their members from the University. In fact, fraternities encourage individual responsibility. Most fraternities, as well as Greek Council itself, possess internal judicial bodies that deal with disciplinary issues, and fraternities at Brown are fully cooperative with the University on issues ranging from discipline to social policy.
Greeks do not brainwash their members to encourage sexual misconduct or other damaging behavior. To suggest that fraternities actively encourage such behavior is deplorable and indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of fraternities and their values. On the contrary, Greek houses are places to build moral character and to continue identity development. Sexual assault is an appalling crime that unfortunately occurs on many college campuses. However, far from being the source of this problem, Greeks at Brown are actively involved in the fight against it. In addition to undergoing party management training, all Greeks are trained in sexual assault awareness, making Wriston one of the safest social spaces at Brown. If you attended Consent Day this fall, you may have noticed the large number of men volunteering at the event. Most of these were members of Sigma Chi, which has been supporting Consent Day for the last two years. Greek participation in safe sexual education extends beyond Consent Day: the Sexual Health Education and Empowerment Council, which works to promote sexual health and wellness on campus, is steered by members of Zeta Delta Xi.
The idea that Greek life is simply a four-year party that encourages dangerous behavior is a misconception fueled by negative stereotypes. In reality, Greek life is grounded in strong values and a goal of giving back to the community. Fraternities seek to instill values of friendship, service, leadership and personal responsibility. These values serve as a strong foundation for men as they transition from adolescents to young professionals, and the people with whom they share the Greek experience become lifelong friends. Many of the nation's most prominent political and business leaders credit their Greek experience with giving them the tools to succeed in their careers.
It is no wonder that Norris-LeBlanc was unaware of this, as he admits that his method of research was "simply Googling the words ‘fraternity sexual assault.'" Had he conducted any substantive research he would have found that, in addition to providing a social release for this campus's hardworking student body, fraternities at Brown also support a variety of local and national charities and are actively involved in numerous campus organizations and varsity sports. Greek life is also on the rise at Brown, with over 230 freshman joining fraternities, sororities and co-ed societies last February.
Norris-LeBlanc has called on fraternities to "shape up or ship out." We appreciate his concern, but we are happy to report that the Greek system is in great shape and here to stay.
Aaron Bartnick '11 is the President of Sigma Chi. Andrew Alvarez '11 is the Chair of Greek Council.
