San Diego State University Drug Bust: don’t jump to conclusions about frats
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Summary of What Happened Today
As reported on CNN, nearly 100 people have been arrested at San Diego State University in relation to a drug selling ring consisting of marijuana, cocaine, and various other drugs. Of the arrests, CNN reported that “75 students and 21 non-students” were arrested on a variety of drug related charges. In particular, a specific member of a specific fraternity (I will not name the actual fraternity) was arrested in relation to the drug ring. According to CNN, the fraternity member involved reportedly “sent a mass text message to his faithful customers’…” and even went on in the text message to “discuss a “sale” on cocaine and gave details on reduced prices“.
Why Did I Write This Blog Posting?
On this blog posting, I’m not going to go into the particular details of the new story, as these can be found at numerous websites including CNN.com. On this blog posting, I will be addressing the issue that is sure to arrise in relation to this incident in the coming days: the frats must be to blame, right?…WRONG!
Are The Frats To Blame For This Drug Ring?
Considering the drug bust involved a number of fraternity members (CNN reported that “most of the students were aware of drug dealing by fraternity brothers”), it seems inevitable that some reporter (credible or not) will no doubt blame the Greek life (fraternities and sororities) for the situation.
It’s really sad to me to think that “Frats” will probably have to shoulder this blame,
further tarnishing the image of the Greek life on college campuses.
If you (people accusing Greeks) understood the inner workings of Fraternity life,
then you would surely have a much different view of this situation.
The Truth About Fraternity Life
Fraternity life is not all about partying, sex, drugs, and rock and roll as the public seems to think. Being in a fraternity is about brotherhood, meeting life long friends, networking for future careers, and motivating each other to be the best men that they can be.
Sure, there are sometimes situations that occur in Fraternity life that are tragedies (hazing, drug situations, rapes, and even deaths). However, these situations are not the product of some flawed lifestyle that all fraternities supposedly live.
Tragedies in the Greek system are the fault of a few irresponsible or otherwise negligent individuals. These individuals would likely be involved in irresponsible behavior regardless of whether or not they were involved in a fraternity.
Positive Stories About Fraternity Life
Considering the negative views that many people hold of fraternities, especially the views that will be promoted due to this recent drug bust at SDSU, I find it important to let the world know that the Greek system on college campuses have tremendously positive impacts on the majority of members. Before you start to side with articles that will say that Greek life needs to be removed or minimized on campuses (someone will surely start this movement after this drug bust), be sure that you know both sides of the story of fraternity life.
Sorority Starts a Snowball Effect Of Helping The Community!
This sorority took community service one step further. Instead of simply putting on a community service project themselves or donating to a single community service organization, they’re actually enabling numerous community service student organizations to continue to form at their campus, year after year. Money raised through their endowment program will be given as grants to any student organization attempting a community service project to help their community!
If You Get Rid of Greek Life…
…You Stop ALL of These Future Community Service Projects Also!
Fraternity Members Fight to Stop Rape With a Benefit Concert
Sigma Phi Epsilon members at the University of Idaho put on a concert that they call “Rock Against Rape”, in an effort to raise awareness on their campus about the tragedies of rape crimes and to raise money for the Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse organization. Through this concert, fraternity members of Sig Ep are making their campus a better place.
This is Surely a positive Impact of Greeks!
To Hear More Positive Stories Right Now
Visit the “Greeks Do Great Things” website (click here) to read about Greeks around the entire country that have done numerous great things for their campus and local community. If you’re greek, post a story on that site. The world will see the positive things you’ve done!
What Should You Get Out of This Article
The bottom line is this…I’m not trying to write a news story about the drug bust at SDSU. I’m not trying to say that Greek life on college campuses is good or bad. There are plenty of resources online and in the media that will report on these topics and argue for days and days and days and days…..
I’m simply getting the truth out to the world about thePositive Impact ofFraternities and Sororities
Remember These Points
- An entire fraternity is not to be judged by the ridiculously stupid actions of a single member: this would be like saying all cops in America are horrible simply because one member of the police department was accused of rape. Drawing a conclusion like this is just not well founded and just plain dumb!
- Fraternities are a positive force in the community: read up on the links in this article, as well as other news online and in the media. Fraternities try to make a positive impact on their community through service programs and much more. A tragic event or shameful drug bust should not take that fact away from the Greeks across the country working to make the world a better place.
- If You’re a Greek, SPEAK UP! at the “Greeks Do Great Things” Website (click here). It’s really sad to hear how Fraternities are viewed in this country. If you’re a Greek, speak your mind and tell people the truth about your experience in a fraternity. Tell them about the time you helped raise awareness and raise money for multiple sclerosis…tell them about how you helped low income children get books to read which they couldn’t afford…tell them how you’re helping people with heart disease. JUST SPEAK UP ABOUT THE GREAT THINGS GREEKS DO! You can do this by clicking Email this to a friend
Please Comment On This Blog (scroll to bottom of page)
I encourage everyone (even if you disagree with me) to post a comment on this blog. I want to hear your thoughts, opinions, arguments, and criticism. The entire world can see this blog and it’s really important for me to spark a discussion on the great things that Greeks do!
Thanks For Caring Enough to Read This
Jon Tucker
Founder, www.UnderstandMyTeen.com
Contact Me Directly by clicking here
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Why Did I Start This Entire Website In the First Place?
A childhood friend of mine died tragically when I was in High School in relation to drugs being way too available and accepted in teen culture. Attending my friends funeral truly changed my life. The UnderstandMyTeen project is in memory of him and is meant to help parents ensure that this kind of tragedy is never experienced in their community. You can read more about this project by visiting the main UnderstandMyTeen website.
I miss you Rob. I still think of you everyday and am looking forward to seeing you again one day. Enjoy the perfect surf up there man…
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Tags: college drug bust, frat, fraternity, SDSU drugs
Well I had heard about all of the drugs in fraternities but I am surprised to hear the extent to which the drugs were being circulated. I can’t believe they found shotguns and semi automatic weapons. I am a San Diego State student and I am sure I know some of the people involved in the sting. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out in the next few weeks.
The problem is this report is VERY wrong. Many reports say only about 19 students were arrested yesterday (The others were previously arrested) … few of those were ACTUAL ACTIVE MEMBERS in frats. The weapons were all found on off campus houses in non-fraternity member houses..
You may also want to know that the SDSU Greeks Raised over $60,000 this MONTH for the Wheel Chair Foundation.
The problem with the “Greek System” (for a lack of a better term) is the partying. I’m not saying its the same all around the country but at SDSU (where I am a student) the day I moved into the dorms, in Fall 06, people were starting to talk about parties that very same day. I understand they need to recruit but these parties do have drugs and alcohol and all members are aware of these parties. Of course it is the decision of the individual to take drugs (alcohol is a drug) which can have pretty bad consequences. My point is the first impression some people have about the Greek System is that of nothing but parties. Also, sex abuse does happen as well as issues of academic integrity. Two people have died as a result of partying at SDSU within the last year, these are choices that these individuals made. The problem is both people who died were out partying at fraternity houses the night before.
The Greek System does do excellent work in the community as well. The problem is people do not really see or hear about it, which is unfortunate because there are members in each fraternity that want to do some good for the community. Because the first impression by fraternities is that of a wild and out of control party, some people are so repulsed by the thought of one constant party.
A few bad apples can spoil the who batch. Not everyone in a fraternity is a drug dealer. However, the good individuals must set a good example. They have to police from within and take a serious look at who they offer membership to. I understand that members may not be aware of what is going on all the time but they must understand that any action, whether it be good or bad, reflects upon their fraternity and in turn themselves. People are measured on their individual character as well as the character of those they choose to be around. Being in a fraternity is a choice. People must be willing to accept all consequences that come with associating themselves in these organizations, no matter how fair or unfair they are. Fraternities may be taking a unfair hit for a few members but since they allowed these members into their fraternity, they must understand that whatever criticism comes there way is a result of their actions.
If this is all about brotherhood, they need to start taking better care of their family.
As a response to the comment stating that fraternities need to “police from within” and “take better care of their families”…
Fraternities and Sororities often have over 100 members in their chapters…and at larger schools, like SDSU, that number may be closer to 150 members, or even close to 200 in the case of some chapters. As a past president of my sorority, it is extremely difficult to know what each member is doing on their personal time. Regardless of what rules are set in place, or how severe the consequences of these rules may be, college students are going to do what they put their mind to.
While it is the responsibility of the chapter leaders to control what occurs in their organization and at organization events, fraternity and sorority leaders are not parents. Yes, we try our absolute best to look after each and every member and take action to protect our organization and its members from harm…not only for the chapter itself, but because we genuinely care about one another. Ultimately, individuals are going to make their own decisions (publicly or secretly) and therefore must suffer consequences for their actions. The leaders of the chapter can only do so much…it is virtually impossible to know what 100 twenty year olds are doing at every moment.
Making these personal decisions is part of being away from home and on your own, and unfortunately these guys made the wrong decisions…. and they are ones who should suffer the consequences, NOT the organizations they happened to belong to..
I agree Matt. It will definitely be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back for new blog postings on the subject as the situation unfolds.
I know there is a big problem with drug trafficing at SDSU and I am glad they have done something about it. I just hope that people dont view this situation as a complete reflection of the Greek Community because that is completely the opposite of what we stand for. The Greek system will continue to do the great things we do for the betterment of our community, our university, and our members.
Becoming a part of the Greek Community has taught me the importance of learning how to work within a team environment as well as provide me with a network of friends that I can turn to when I need support. As a student spending his first year away from home at school, I can tell you that Sigma Phi Epsilon has been vital to providing me with love and guidance, Things I once received daily from my parents. In addition, SigEp is currently a vessel for me to achieve personal growth and achievement, as well as a heightened sense of camaraderie among my peers. Key aspects to my maturity only a Fraternity could provide.
I’ve done a lot of growing up as a result of rushing Sigma Phi Epsilon. It has opened my eyes to the fact that there are fraternities out there who don’t put partying, sex and drugs at the top of their priority list. However, it has also taught me that there are still those individuals out there, greek or not, who do. As with any crime, it is up to us as a community of students and citizens of San Diego to differentiate between these criminals and those who do the community a great service and give many young men a chance to grow and mature.
It’s GREAT to see all of these comments guys. Keep them coming. Be sure to email the blog posting to a friend, parent, professor, or anyone else you think might be interested. You can simply click the “email this to a friend” link that is at the bottom of the article = )
JT
As a former SDSU student and a member of the Greek System it is obvious a disappointment to see the school and the Greek System on the news in this manner. What I am finding a bit more frustrating is people naive remarks about State and the Greek system. It amazes me that grown adults can sit and throw stones at glasses house still. If you don’t see the good in what Greeks do and if you truly think that stuff like this is not happening in your school or your kids school…I think its about time to wake up. Thank you for putting together this blog for the other side of the story because as of yet the only side is that SDSU is a party school (I thought that title was for CU now we lost way back in the late 80) and the of unfortunately the Greeks are to blame, seems like when they need some one to blame we usually are there for the punching bags. Good Luck to all the houses that are involved, I hope that our national doesn’t find anyone from my old house or I know we will be gone.
Thanks Jill. I’m happy to hear your thanks for me posting this blog. I agree with you…It’s about time that the world sees the good that greeks do = )
This article is a great idea to effectively get the truth about fraternities out. I couldn’t agree more that the media dwells on negative news, especially when a member of “frats” (fraternities) break the law, and that the media needs to shed light on the positive aspects of Greek life as well. Greek life in my personal experiences has done nothing but positive things for me; specifically by keeping m grades up and being responsible for my actions.
I agree with Alden 100%. The media dwells on negative news constantly. The biggest problem about this whole situation is that all of the media coverage on campus today is just going to continue to spread false rumors about greek life here at state. I know for a fact that the majority of greek students aren’t even remotely involved in the drug ring, but the fact that some were seems to screw other greeks that weren’t involved over. I’m glad that we have some level headed people posting about positive aspects of greek life instead of just escalating the situation even more.
While there may be some good things that Greeks do, the whole concept of “brotherhood” and “friends” that you write about is part of the problem.
Would a “brother” turn a brother in for under-age drinking? Or in this case, drugs? While only a few may have been involved, it seems like many more knew and looked the other way. That’s the reason for the bad press.
RESPONSE TO COMMENT
*disclaimer: with this comment, I’m not recommending any action for or against calling the police in a time of need. It’s up to your own personal judgement which action to take in a situation where legal help may be needed.
John, thanks for the posting regarding your questioning of brotherhood. I can understand why you might think that having true brotherhood can’t be possible if fraternity members wouldn’t “turn a brother in for underage drinking…or drugs”. However, let me counter that argument.
(1) Underage drinking
While I’ve never read about members turning in another member for underage drinking, I have close personal friends that have taken their brothers to the hospital if someone is in danger of alcohol poisoning. There is a huge different between “underage drinking” and drinking to the point of being blacked out and near death. I know members of fraternities that would not hesitate to call 911 if a member drank way too much and was in danger. Helping a brother in a life or death situation….I’d define that as brotherhood. But I wouldn’t go so far to generalize that brotherhood isn’t present because members wouldn’t report underage drinking.
(2) Drugs being present
I would personally never condone a member having anything to do with cocaine and the other drugs found in the drug bust. However, I need to disagree with you on “reporting” this drug to the police. Before taking legal action, I would sit down with my brother and let him know the consequences of what he is doing.
I would tell him about how using drugs killed one of my childhood friends (that’s why I created this website). I would tell him that I refuse to sit back and let another friend of mine throw there lives away to drugs. However, I wouldn’t report this to the police right away unless my friend was in immediate danger or refused my help. If he ignored my pleas to stop then at that point a legal action may need to be taken for his own good.
In conclusion, lets not generalize too much on if brotherhood or friendship is present in a fraternity. Calling the cops is not the only solution to someone being in trouble. Having a heart to heart conversation is sometimes a more effective solution.
Sometimes, someone in need only needs a true friend to show that they care about them enough to say “you need to stop man…this is dangerous”.
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that people are even concerned about your fraternity status in a situation where hundreds of peoples’ families are hurting. It really shows how fraternities at our school, SDSU, concern themselves more on image than well-being for fellow students. It is really upseting that you all jump to the defense of your “brotherhoods” rather than coming together to fix the way our school is viewed. And just so you know, the fraternities have more drugs, alcohol, and weapons than I have ever seen amongst any other group of young adults. I do not agree with drug use and the frats are obviously promoting it. So I’m not intending to be rude but fraternities have nothing to do with the argument. Stop defending them. Stop blaming them. We are PEOPLE. We all go to school here. It is a wonderful school. So whether you are Greek or not, please get over your own issues and be more sympathetic to the families that are upset right now that their sons or daughters are going to prison and no one gives a shit about your fraternity’s/sorority’s status.
Nicole Pahl,
In response to you saying “be more sympathetic to the families that are upset right now that their sons or daughters are going to prison”.
I apologize for making you angry with this article. The article was not meant to disrespect any of the families involved in this situation. Furthermore, it was not meant to disrespect anyone directly involved in the situation.
Rather, it was meant to provide two sides to the argument that I have personally heard regarding Greek life. It saddens me that Greeks are viewed as supporting drugs (your comment of “the frats are obviously promoting it”). I’m a Greek and do not support drugs. In addition, I know 100’s of other Greeks around the country that do not support drugs.
I’m not trying to disrespect anyone in particular with this posting. I’m simply trying to show the world that Greeks are not all that their accused of in the media and in people’s thoughts.
Sorry for the confusion
I am sorry for the confusion as well. I should not have insinuated that all Greeks promote drugs. That is definitely not true. It is still ridiculous, however, that the issue of Greek life is even involved. That’s great that you feel like you do great things for the community; I’m sure that your fraternity is great. However, I must say that many of the houses on our campus do not do great things for the community. Philanthropies, for example, are very cool because they raise money for charity. It is quite ironic, however, because most people are drunk at these “charity” events. That is not helping the community or the school. And money spent for that alcohol could also be saving lives of those in need. And these points are merely directed at a few fraternities and sororities, not the majority. My main point is that we should stop defending the status of Greek reputation. Because honestly in the scheme of life, it doesn’t matter. And one day you will look back and laugh at how important you thought the little things were to you. There is much, much, MUCH more to life my friend.
The thing you need to understand, Nicole, is that when someone goes through recruitment and pledges and eventually becomes initiated in a Fraternity or Sorority, they pledge to uphold a group of values that are meant to promote the betterment of society. From that point on, every action they take is no longer merely a representation of their own character, but a representation of their lettered organization.
So when the media reports on an incident involving drugs and Fraternity members, those members have not only let down themselves, or their Fraternity, but the Greek Community as a whole. It seems pretty obvious that if a parent of an incoming freshman watches the news and sees that Fraternity brothers are involved in a drug ring, they are less likely to allow their child to rush a fraternity. Similary, communities such as college towns cite incidents like this as motivation to put more restrictions on Lettered organizations.
Of course the incident affected families and various people. But the point of this article is that the events of one small group of people in an isolated community still affects the rest of us. As a member of the Greek community in Northern California I have seen the effects first hand. So don’t think that the incident only affects one group of people because it doesn’t.
your school just had the biggest school drug bust in history. all the kids getting arrested deserve it, and your school deserves the bad publicity for letting shit like this happen. So all i really do care about is how this is going to tarnish an already bad greek reputation, not about anything else.
The point is, the brothers knew that illegal activity was going on and did nothing (other than perhaps a “heart-to-heart” conversation) to prevent it. That is the point of the bad press. Many in the frats, even those not directly involved, knew this illegal activity was going on. That makes them accomplices.
But the problem is that nationwide, Greek organizations take the criticism and are stereotyped as “gang-like” organizations when this simply isn’t the case.
By doing nothing to stop and prevent drug dealing, you are in effect supporting drugs.
to claim that doing nothing to stop and prevent drug dealing is the equivalent to supporting drugs (as you noted) is a flawed argument in my opinion.
Consider these issues and whether you support/disapprove of
(1) do you support or not support the war in Iraq: If you’re not actually fighting in Iraq, not donating to organizations that support troops, not rallying and events that support the war….does this mean that you do not support the war?
(2) if you do not give a homeless person money when they’re begging on a corner, does this mean that you are morally OK with someone having to live on the street and not have any food to eat?
To make a generalized argument that because someone doesn’t prevent a crime from happening then they therefore obviously support it just doesn’t seem right to me. It’s not a straight forward A versus B or cause-effect argument. I just can’t agree with that John.
I, being a fraternal brother, do not support drug usage and find your claim to be insulting. I do believe that if any of my brothers were apart of this I would be partly responsible myself. But because other houses had one or two members who fucked up does not mean that the entire system should get the rap or responsibility for their actions.
It is so sad to hear the news, yet again, focusing on fraternities and sororities as the problem on campus. Kind of funny that they completely forget about the students involved who are not Greek. The best thing we can do is to just keep up the great, positive things we bring to our communities.
I agree Julie. However, I think this always happens mainly because the Greeks are an easy target. After all, who would the news be able to accuse if they wanted to blame the “general student population” (i.e. non-greeks). There wouldn’t be a “group” to go after.
More importantly, there is already some negative views re: fraternities in relation to hazing and rape situations. Therefore, the Greeks seem to be a target that the public is sure to relate to as a negative organization.
It’s sad…but true.
LETS CHANGE THE VIEW OF GREEKS
Let’s do our best to keep this blog spreading so that people can see the positive things Greeks across the country have done.
ADMIN NOTE
REPLYING TO A COMMENT SOMEONE SAYS
If you’d like to refer to a comment that someone else said, please simply click “reply to this comment” (located inside each and every comment on this board) instead of posting a brand new comment. I’ve just installed this component on the blog a few mins ago so that we can all use it = )
I hope this feature sparks some good old fashion issue debating. I think it’s important that EVERYONE’s opinion is shown on here for the world to see.
I am sorry for the confusion as well. I should not have insinuated that all Greeks promote drugs. That is definitely not true. It is still ridiculous, however, that the issue of Greek life is even involved. That’s great that you feel like you do great things for the community; I’m sure that your fraternity is great. However, I must say that many of the houses on our campus do not do great things for the community. Philanthropies, for example, are very cool because they raise money for charity. It is quite ironic, however, because most people are drunk at these “charity” events. That is not helping the community or the school. And money spent for that alcohol could also be saving lives of those in need. And these points are merely directed at a few fraternities and sororities, not the majority. My main point is that we should stop defending the status of Greek reputation. Because honestly in the scheme of life, it doesn’t matter. And one day you will look back and laugh at how important you thought the little things were to you. There is much, much, MUCH more to life my friend.
Well said Nicole. Thanks for the clarification.
I agree with you that the status of Greek reputation is not the most important thing in life. There are many more important things in life. In addition, I also agree that the alcohol influence and philanthropies is pretty shameful and should not continue in the future. Hopefully this blog can raise that point as well so that Greeks can actually work harder at making a positive influence in the community.
While I don’t believe reputation to be the most important thing in life, I believe that making sure the world understands the *full* details of a controversial situation is very important. That’s why I created this blog so that we can all put our views out for the world to see.
I’ll not be commenting on the blog for a bit because I need to hit the library and write two papers for finals = ( But I’ll check back in tonight on the board.
*please use the “reply to this comment” button in the future ; )
If you’re not in a fraternity or sorority in your case then how would you know that someone would look back upon these times and laugh that it was a big deal. Being in a house you can find your best friends for life, your brothers and sisters for life that will stand by you in any situation that may arise. There is a lot to life and sorry that we choose to help our community in different and fun ways (whether some decide to drink or not). Okay, so maybe Greek reputation does not matter to you but it matters to some. If we want to defend what we do and who we are we have the freedom/ the right and the privilege to do so however we want. We’re not saying we don’t care about the families as you so previously stated. We’re just saying that we are defending the bad publicity and the hatred that is being sent our way. If any organization you felt strongly about were attacked you would act just as we all are.
I was in a SDSU sorority when I went there 2 years ago. In response to the comment that “…most people are drunk at these “charity” events. That is not helping the community or the school”
I just wanted to say that in my house, as well as others that I know, if a sister showed up and had been drinking, even if she smelled like alcohol from the night before, she was sent home immediately and there was a major consequence for this action. We knew that there was a time and a place for drinking and when you are at a philanthropy event that was not one of them. It took away from the focus of why you were there. Not to say that all houses followed the same ideas that we did, but I just wanted to let you know that saying that “most people” is incorrect. My sorority had over 100 members that were all sober at every charity event. I hope that this is able to give you a better feeling about the greek community and the actions we take as a group.
I think everyone is getting a little off topic with their negative comments. This blog is simply to provide a positive argument to the present and future negative views that are being placed on the members of greek community who have not had and never will have anything to do with drugs and present a positive atmosphere in the stressful environment of college. Me and my brothers do the best we can to help each other out ALWAYS. I feel that this “drug bust” will actually help the greek community, It has riddled out some of the bad members and hopefully taught the other members a lesson and will eventually allow the greek community to thrive like it always has and will. I believe this is what the police had intended all along and they did a good job in conducting a very well organized “clean up” and allow the fraturnities to to what they are here to do. To create a positive atmosephere where members can enjoy themselves, Grow as individules, do good in school, and do good for their community.
Good comment Matt. I agree that this could help the Greek community. I’ve been hearing that the school might want to shut down Greek life completely?!?!
It’d be a shame if this crime shuts down an entire Greek system that has been positive and life benefiting experience for 99.9% of the people involved.
bummer
whoa whoa whoa. shut down greek life? I don’t think they would take it that far to be honest. However I will say that im pretty sure we can all expect greek life to be a little different next year.
I have been involved with them… I saw them on campus enough involvement for me! I would benefit from Greek life being removed from campus
I agree with Baluski that even though this “drug bust” tarnishes SDSU’s greek system in the end the greek system will prevail. The reason I joined Sigma Phi Epsilon is because we do much more than just party. We pride ourselves on being gentlemen and we do what’s right. Sure partying goes on, but that’s definately not the forefront of our fraternity. The entire Greek system shouldn’t get a bad rep because of this incident we should let it pan out and everyone will realize that this only helped weed out the members of fraternities that needed to be removed.
All the kids in the house new about what was going on. They should be kicked off campus forever. Idiots are going to ruin it for everyone in the whole greek system.
That’s pretty much equivalent to saying since SDSU Students were involved, the university should be shut down. That would definitely benefit all the college-aged youth in San Diego… (sense the sarcasm)
Knowing the boys in the house personally, I can say that not all the boys in that frat knew what was going on, and the ones that did were trying to get the ones involved removed. The group as a whole should NOT be punished because of a few stupid members.
The cardinal principles of Theta Chi are Truth, Temperance, and Tolerance. Who among the men in the chapter denied the Truth, disregarded the value of Temperance, and were so intimidated by the drug dealers among their brothers (could they also have been the chapter’s bullies and hazers?) that Tolerance was redefined to mean that Truth and Temperance were denied?
One of the reasons that fraternities and sororities are so castigated when wrongdoing is uncovered is that all such groups have cardinal principles as lofty as those of Theta Chi. All members of fraternities and sororities upon initiation swear an oath to uphold those cardinal principles.
Unfortunately, the “We’re No. 1″ attitudes that infiltrate fraternity and sorority members’ behavior due to the influcence of our society’s focus on winning at all costs makes such groups easy targets for condemnation when even a single member is exposed for bad behavior.
I can say that I personally believed in the negative stereotypes that go along with fraternities because of the media and movies like American Pie or any movie about fraternities. The truth is I joined a fraternity recently and my eyes were opened up to what really goes on. I had certain expectations about the members: that they would be jerks who only cared about drinking, partying, and having sex. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Everyone was super nice and super involved in the school and the community. Each fraternity has dozens upon dozens of executive or cabinet positions, with each position specific to a certain task. The fraternity is such an efficient organisation that gets things done. Whether it’s raise 2000 dollars in a few short weeks for a wheelchair foundation, or practice everyday for a week to win a tallent show, or have a retreat to get to know your brothers, or an exchange with a sorority to meet your next girlfriend and possible wife. There are so many possitive aspects of a fraternity that cannot be expressed here. A fraternity is like a club but litterally like 10,000 times more productive and more like a family. It’s a place where we can meet new people guys and girls. Where we can bounce ideas off of one another and push each other to become better men. It is really one huge family and a place where a guy can always go to hang out, get advice, and enjoy fellowship. Joining a fraternity is the most significant and best decission of my college life and everyone who is quick to take that away from us fraternity members, please think twice. It may be true that there are a few guys who join for the cliche and stereotypical frat boy scene and there will always be a dud that sells drugs or rapes a girl. But those duds can be found in any community. Believe me, removing the fraternities does not remove the duds, instead it takes away something that is good for students. Good for them to network, and meet people, and get involved in school and the community. I am all for the drug bust and getting rid of the duds. But that has just been accomplished and a very powerful message has just been sent through the school about the seriousness of drugs. Do not hurt fraternities or have a negative attitude towards them because of false information or subliminal messages through the media. I can’t see getting rid of the greek system or talking negatively about it as being anything but ignorance. The greek systems do so much good for the students, the school, and the community.
well said “greek is great” user. It’s great to see some support for the idea we’re trying to get across.
Spread the word. Invite all your friends on the facebook group seen at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17380634107
JT
Good for you for speaking out and using this as an opportunity to bring light to all of the positive things that Greeks bring to campuses and communities across the country! It’s not like drugs are only found in the Greek system…I’d say they’re more often found outside. Thanks for speaking your mind.
That’s right IloveDDD,
The Greek system is really not the only place where drug are found in college. In fact, it’s been my experience that the Greek system actually deters people from using drugs simply because we have so many other things that are important to us. Our members have better things to do then do drugs.
If there’s a few people in the Greek system that were involved with drugs, then those people have now been removed by the DEA. I hope they all end up ok in regards to their future plans, as it’s really sad to see this happen to people that were set to graduate in a matter of days. Hopefully they (and the rest of the system) will learn from this situation and be better for it.
Speak your mind. invite the world to the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17380634107
As a transfer student to SDSU and full time hater, I think this is great. All of the sorority girls are whining about their friends being busted and frat guys are talking about their lawyers. Excuse me but a 19 year old has a lawyer… I wonder if now they are going to become fashionable on campus similarly to Rainbow sandals and large bags.
When I attended orientation before the current semester, I paid something like fifty dollars to listen to four hours of why I should become a part of Greek life; I was asked if I had considered it. Ummm I already have drinking buddies thanks, and I organize my own community service group.
I don’t think the media is covering this very clearly, but the snivelers need to take into consideration that the media is fucked. From what I am hearing on campus the only thing people seem to be upset about is the fact that fraternities are now made to look like candy men, but what about all of the weapons? Our school is ranked in the top ten in the nations for crimes against women; a majority of these are committed by men in fraternities and jocks… They got what they deserved.
Pete,
It’s a bummer to see someone come on here with so much negativity. It’s obvious to much of us (those involved in the Greek system) that you obviously don’t have a clear understanding of the Greeks. I can admit, I felt the same way prior to coming to college. In addition, those feelings were reinforced by a select few people in different frats. However, getting more involved in the Greek system has really opened my eyes to some great things.
*It’s Not All Parties
You said “Ummm I already have drinking buddies thanks”. I’ve already tried to explain in this article that this is not what it’s about. People would not pay the amount of money we pay each semester for simply just having drinking buddies. There’s more then that.
*Business Networking
Being in a fraternity provides numerous networking contacts. An example: one of our alumni is involved in Google in regards to finding/hiring recent college grads. Needless to say, if one of our members has an interest in working at google, he likely will have a better chance at getting his foot in the door for an interview then someone who is not Greek.
*Community Service
I realize you said you “organize my own community service group”. Please give a couple links to programs that you’ve been a part of and how you’ve helped *money raised, volunteer time, results, etc” just as I’ve done with the Greek community service. It’s important that the world see the great things that everyone (including non-greeks) are doing for the community.
*Greeks DONT Support Sexual Violence
You noted “majority of these [sexual assaults at SDSU] are committed by men in fraternities and jocks… They got what they deserved”. This statement seems to me to be a stab at the entire greek community for the actions of just a few members (guys stupid enough to sexually assault a girl).
I can personally say that my fraternity is extremely strict in regards to how women are treated by our members. We confront members if there is any questionable behavior (even if they talk to a woman disrespectfully). In fact, we’ve kicked members out of our house because a girl says the guy was repeatedly disrespecting her. We take these things VERY seriously and I would encourage you to report any and all activity that you hear of with any college student (greek or not) having any part in a sexual assault.
As the FratMANners organization (lead on SDSU by members of various fraternities) demonstrates, Greeks do not support Rape and will do anything we can to work against it.
lets stay positive
JT
Hey Everyone
JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP
INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS
SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS
Group is at
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17380634107
A war is being fought that will never be won, no matter how much money or effort is put towards it. The drug use on campus was, majority speaking, is a social habit. The students who were arrested were leading successful lives, about to graduate from college, and about to move on with their lives. Instead their lives have been shot down and now they will add to the over populated prison system of America. Lives were ruined, when they were not harming other peoples lives. This same drug scene has been around college campuses for decades and it will never change. Also that fact that they directed the drug bust towards fraternities is absurd. More people who were not in the Greek system were arrested than not, so why would it be any different that we are in a fraternity. What if a few of the drug dealers worked at a grocery store, would you accuse “grocery stores” for the drug problem, NO. The whole situation is ridiculous and should have never been approached the way it was.
Are you saying that by dealing drugs, they are not hurting people? If memory serves me correct, the fact that this drug busting operation started was because people overdoes on drugs. Illegal Drugs by definition harm the body. Then if these people were not harming anyone, what were they really doing?
How can you say “Lives were ruined, when they [students arrested i assume you mean?] were not harming other peoples lives.”They were most definitely harming other people’s lives. MULTIPLE SDSU STUDENTS DIED FROM DRUGS: Jenny died (which is why the investigation started) and Kurt died recently as well.
I’m not saying that this drug ring directly killed these students with their efforts, but removing tens of thousands of dollars worth of drugs from the campus (along with the students involved with it) sounds to me like it’s for a good cause.
I find a difference between people using drugs for your own personal use versus selling drugs to the student population. If you use drugs, your simply ruining your OWN life (my childhood friend died from drugs). If you’re selling drugs, you’re helping other people ruin THEIR LIVES.
SDSU Greek, I appreciate your post and opinion, but am a little concerned that you don’t see the connection between selling drugs and ruining other people’s lives.
Lets all keep speaking our minds. That’s why this blog is here = )
I think the point you are all missing here is that by being part of an organization you are now representing that organization. It doesn’t matter if 1 person was caught dealing drugs, the fact that he was a part of that organization makes it so that whole group of people look bad. Seriously, that is the way it works. I have talked to frat students who told me that they couldn’t go drinking with their letters on because it would look bad on their frat, and it’s true. Why? because by joining a frat, they now represent it and its morals and rules, etc…If one messes up, the whole frat gets the bad rep, and well you should have been more aware of who does what. It’s the same in the real world, you are the representative of a major corporation, and then you go out drinking, get in a fight, and get sent to jail. Your actions just tarnished that company for hiring you, and it would lose respect as a major corporation.
The thing that also gets me is that two of the alleged criminals, is that one was getting a Masters in Homeland Security and the other was getting a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Would you really want people like this to be in charge of programs that are supposed to be