Instead of only talking about alcohol and sex, we talked about politics and religion. Stay safe and well! The Gallup/Purdue 2014 study also shows that members of Greek houses have great levels of well-being in five life measurements. Vanderbilt has the happiest students and one of the most engaged student bodies for a reason! Nevertheless, I fear that the AGL movement has abandoned its noble intentions and transformed itself into a force of division, animosity and fear. Two AKA pledges drown in a hazing incident in LA. “Now that is coming to light in a more obvious way. One of the most significant problems with AGL is that it approaches activism through a misguided, : namely, that every single Greek organization is irredeemably and irrefutably “based on deliberate exclusion, where organizations build what they see as a favorable image, At first, most of what I saw confirmed my initial suspicions. Worse yet, all it takes is a cursory glance at the testimonies on the @abolishvandyifcandpanhellenic Instagram page to understand the horrific prevalence of sexual assault at Greek events. Kind of hoping this takes off at my school but the Greek life here is so toxic I doubt it. This means stripping Greek life of its worst qualities: the notion of “tiers,” the destructive sorority rush process and the obsession with sexual activity are great places to start. My brother wanted to follow a golf tour but didn’t have the money. to respond to this. 1520 followers 565 following 454 posts see instagram photos and videos from kappa atvandykkg. I have debated whether to write this. In fact, the inaugural post on the AGL Instagram page. What We Do. Chapters [10]: Chapman University (@abolishgreeklifechapman) Denison University (@abolishdukeifcandpanhellenic) Duke University (@du_abolishgreek) Emory University (@abolishemorygreeklife) University of Richmond (@abolishrichmondgreeklife) It will be a test for Greek life and the Abolish Greek Life movement alike. In times of epidemic levels of loneliness in college (Google this research), the small residential experience on a college campus is a singular opportunity to find a sense of home in an often impersonal campus climate. We're voting on abolishing the chapter soon, but I don't really know what all that will do because nationals can easily start it back up again. Likewise, rates of sexual assault at both Harvard and Princeton remain unchanged from years prior to the bans. Monsanto has done more damage and harmed more people than the entire Greek System. In fact, I know it does not present the whole picture. Dad said, ‘’Life doesn’t owe you anything, and it’s not set up to be fair. The AKA’s pride themselves on leading classist exclusive Black Debutante Balls. Under the handle @abolishnugreeklife, the account’s first post declared: “This is a call to dismantle Greek Life at Northwestern University”. Even worse are those who join one org because they heard something negative about another ithiut doing their own research only to find out that the org they chose was worse. About. Eat the Rich: How an 18th Century Phrase has Made a Comeback, Reports: Vanderbilt football hires Inoke Breckterfield as defensive line coach, Swimming: Recapping Vanderbilt’s fall season. So if the Greek systems falls - then secret societies will happen and they will have no jurisdiction. To understand my worry, consider the “Vanderbilt of the North”: a ban on Greek life at Harvard only left their campus with homogenous “cultural interest” groups and the notorious “finals clubs,” and in many instances, these organizations became more toxic spaces than even the worst Greek organization at Vanderbilt. an article that seems to attribute Princeton’s inequities to some sort of official Greek system, despite the reality that no such system exists. Abolish Greek life and watch the massive collateral damage. My school hasn't had any murmurings of abolishment, which I'm grateful for. Figured that since the majority of the people in this subreddit *seem* to not be in Greek life, ... what are your thoughts on the Abolish Vandy Greek Life Instagram page and the ... about 33% of undergrads were Greek in 2019 - 20, compared with over 45% just 10 years ago (2009 - 10). Abolish Vandy IFCPH – Abolish Greek Life Season 1, Episode 4. I am not the only person who knows that Greek life can be a force for good when its members make an effort to do so. As Americans started a fresh reckoning with systemic racism this summer season, some school college students, saved residence from college attributable to I challenge everyone to be sensitive to signs of mental health stress in those we know and love. They have gathered digitally using group run instagram activist pages. “We’ve seen … Students at other colleges, like Northwestern University , Duke University and the University of Richmond , created accounts in the same model, sparking a nationwide debate over Greek life’s place on campuses. 0. I couldn’t afford to live in a luxury high rise condo on Wilshire Blvd. Alarmingly, our AGL movement neglects this concern. it's a very interesting school for greek life in that it was SEC/had a lot of legacies and stuff but also wasn't as cutthroat as the real SEC (Bama, UGA, etc. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Vanderbilt University or its official representatives. Chapters at my alma mater have been releasing comprehensive action plans and actively seeking additional feedback from the community. While many assume the system itself inherently prioritizes the former over the latter, we have no reason to simply throw up our hands and admit defeat. Where was the media? At Vanderbilt University, an 'Abolish Greek Life' movement took root, sparking a debate on campus over the role of fraternities and sororities. and also find a community in which he could discuss his struggles with mental health and eating disorders, it was apparent to me that such opportunities would not come through Greek life. It will be a test for Greek life and the Abolish Greek Life movement alike. At Vanderbilt, Kristin Torrey, the director of Greek life, reached out to Pinto and another student pushing for Greek life’s abolition. of withholding official recognition” from Greek organizations and, as of 2012, any activity sponsored by a fraternity or sorority” and the older students who invite them, Princeton’s community still grapples with unofficial “Greek” organizations that, maintain rigid racial and socioeconomic divisions, of anti-Greek life activists at these institutions, the abolition of Greek life accomplished none of its goals. As members of the Vanderbilt Community, we write to urge the Vanderbilt administration to abolish the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic (IFCPH) chapters on our campus. Number of instagram followers for @abolishvandyifcandpanhellenic. The first post on the @abolishgreeklifelehigh Instagram account. That is their choice. In fact, the inaugural post on the AGL Instagram page quoted an article that seems to attribute Princeton’s inequities to some sort of official Greek system, despite the reality that no such system exists. News Read Me ... campuses across the nation and built a grassroots network of tens of thousands of students who support the abolition of Greek Life . Many chapters seek new members who are different from them, recognizing that we learn best from those who are not like us. We must instead uplift those who devote themselves to positive change—Greek or otherwise—as examples to emulate. They can mean whatever we want them to mean, and we must do everything we can to make them mean something worthy of pride. “Now that is coming to light in a more obvious way. To understand my worry, consider the “Vanderbilt of the North”: a ban on Greek life at Harvard only left their campus with homogenous “. The university will conduct arrival testing Jan. 20 to 24 and hold a ‘quiet’ period from Jan. 25 to Feb. 3. To summarize, many students and organizations are calling for the removal of all IFC and NPC chapters on Vanderbilt’s campus. Vanderbilt’s Greek rush process, in which potential new members are sorted into fraternities and sororities, will conclude at the beginning of the upcoming spring semester. Start by signing the petition. “AGL is wrong to characterize every Greek chapter as irredeemable,” wrote Jared Baumann, a Vanderbilt student, in a Vanderbilt Hustler op-ed, referring to the Abolish Greek Life movement. Join Us. Being in Greek life at Vanderbilt just felt … Folder: About. More importantly, the editorial also correctly points out that many chapters have immense problems with “racism, classism and exclusion.” Worse yet, all it takes is a cursory glance at the testimonies on the. NGUYEN: Why has Vanderbilt sacrificed student wellbeing for traditional learning? Despite Greek life’s obvious problems—problems that are far too common across the rest of our campus and our society as well—I suspect that such a gross generalization does not present the whole picture. It would rather issue blanket statements that attack the fundamental moral character of Greek members en masse than hold open conversations about how inclusivity and acceptance can become the norm across campus. It thus seems that the AGL movements at these institutions did nothing more than provide their supporters with the symbolic opportunity to absolve themselves of responsibility for horrifying campus phenomena, which can now metastasize “out of sight and out of mind.”, Alarmingly, our AGL movement neglects this concern. Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black sorority has a black bag test for membership. University Chapters. I can not imagine what drove Kyle to step in front of a freight train one day. Press Conference Notes: Stackhouse gives updates on injuries, previews Mississippi State. My Frat lost a Brother to suicide while on Summer break some years ago. I almost gave up hope. Originally published 7/21 on Instagram. Nashville, TN. I have had multiple issues with Greek Life during my time at Vanderbilt. As a result, I. cannot support the movement to abolish Greek life in its current iteration with a clear conscience. This is no way to improve our campus. But to start a movement to ban something that you once wanted but no ware against and you claim racism (you’re block but you joined a predominantly white org and then get upset when they show their true colors- you should’ve seen that ahead of time), or you claim classism (you grew up working class but you join an org where all of your brothers or sisters grew up in mansions with maids and you come from a working class family- did you not know this ahead of time). C and Panhellenic chapters either drop or renounce their affiliations—I just wish they had done so sooner, since these problems are not new by any stretch of the imagination. Vanderbilt’s Greek life has been historically popular—with nearly a third of students participating in the Greek system—but that popularity began to come under threat when students started d Nevertheless, I fear that the AGL movement has abandoned its noble intentions and transformed itself into a force of division, animosity and fear. My brothers and I get together all the time and do things for the community. After a period of refusal, I decided to honor their request and half-heartedly rush. As Americans began a fresh reckoning with systemic racism this summer, some college students, kept home from school due to COVID-19, began to view campus life through a new lens. Back. News Read Me Take Action Open Menu Close Menu. My chapter is one of the more "diverse" ones on campus, but we're still Greek so take that word with a grain of salt. They have written searing op-eds condemning their own organizations for the student newspaper, The Vanderbilt Hustler. Coach Jerry Stackhouse addressed the media Friday to provide updates on the health of his team and preview the Commodores’ upcoming tilt with Mississippi State on Saturday. To show support, students can sign the letter which can be found in their Instagram bio. Furthermore, I quickly met brothers with whom I had candid conversations about mental health, something I had yet to find in any other campus organization, Greek or otherwise. Rather racist don’t you think? The movement to abolish Greek life at Vanderbilt has gained traction on campus. Why not go after them? He was the best of us – athlete, musician and leader. I could discuss for a long time but quite a few people have made the point more eloquently then I have - the issues that exist within greek life do not exist within a bubble, they are larger societal issues that need faced first. I am not naïve. Subsequently, my Frat sponsored an annual celebration of life along with a rep from Minding Your Mind who always had an inspirational message. Abolish Greek Life. There may be no easy solutions to the problems we face, but I believe in my heart of hearts that we can do it. Vanderbilt football hires Casey Stangel as director of football operations, Report: Vanderbilt football hires Barton Simmons as ‘general manager,’ per 247 Sports, Report: Vanderbilt football hires Norval McKenzie as running backs coach. December 16, 2020 ‘The Voice’ 2020: Carter Rubin crowned winner. What We Do. I left the rush event and once again called my parents, but this time, our call was different. IFC chapter presidents and the administrators in the CSI will likely discuss calls to abolish Greek Life in a meeting on July 13, according to Corsiglia’s email. …..crickets! h people who make them feel comfortable and accepted. About. Princeton faces a similar situation. I would suggest reaching out to Minding Your Minds as a great mental health support resource. To me, it all sounded awfully exclusive. Pandemic Profiles: First-year Isra Shuster, First-year Isra Shuster shares her experience on campus during a fall semester with unprecedented social limitations. Despite the pure intentions of anti-Greek life activists at these institutions, the abolition of Greek life accomplished none of its goals. If Greek life refuses to take sexual assault and racism seriously at a campus or nationally they should not exist. After all, what is Greek life, if not a collection of the individuals who decide to make it what it is? She offered a meeting. Here, there was no “mold” or “type”—gay and bisexual brothers talked about their sexuality with absolute comfort, and I met brothers of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. This extreme and generalizing rhetoric is not only false—it’s counterproductive. Pi Phi has thousands of volunteers donating thousands of hours teaching urban kids how to read, Theta supports CASA. As American reckoned with systemic racism this summer, college students around the country, kept home from school due to COVID-19, began to question Greek life's place on campus. It's past time to abolish Greek life. We bid girls who we we we were comfortable with living together. When she’s not taking photos, you can catch this Jersey girl making puns, singing, advocating for girls’ education and drinking lots of chocolate milk and espresso! Fraternities and sororities help the very people who the protesters say are excluded. Follow them to see all their posts. Thanks so much (Jared, Emily & The Hustler) for the dialogue versus the previous one-sided, politically correct, mostly negative cancel culture opinions. “Maybe Zeta was a little less diverse than Northwestern as a whole,” says Buonomo. A brother from India told me about his experiences with the caste system and its lingering implications, and a brother from Chile taught me about liberation theology. It also means expanding Greek life’s best qualities, such as philanthropic initiatives, community service, mental health support networks and meaningful activities for students who might otherwise have nothing in common. 2. Phi Beta Kappa, the first U.S. Greek-letter fraternity was founded at William & Mary University in 1776. The movement was bolstered by outrage over a video, posted in July, of a Vanderbilt University fraternity member using a racist slur among a group of fraternity and sorority members. very interested to see what will happen. After some time, however, everything changed. Abolish Vandy IFCPH - Abolish Vandy IFCPH – Abolish Greek Life Season 1, Episode 3. The activism has gained traction through a network of Instagram accounts that publish anonymous submissions alleging racism, homophobia, hazing, and sexual assault within Greek life. Fraternities and sororities are built on systems of exclusion, oppression, and violence. Anyone else following “Abolish Greek Life at Vanderbilt” on Instagram? As a result, I cannot support the movement to abolish Greek life in its current iteration with a clear conscience. When I hear stories of fraternity and sorority members of color who choose not to drop being called “race traitors” by their peers, or being lectured about systemic racism by white students with only an Instagram-level understanding of their actual experiences, it is obvious to me that fear—not hope—is the driving force behind what we now see. Greek life has a long history of being racist and exclusive. Number of instagram followers for @abolishvandyifcandpanhellenic. Inoke Breckterfield spent the last six seasons as Wisconsin's defensive line coach. However, the Greek system has a whole needs to change so much and Vanderbilt is evidence of that. To that end, we also encourage anyone with information about a recent series of abhorrent, racist anonymous posts on a website where discussions around Greek life at Vanderbilt are occurring, to report that information to Title IX and Student Discrimination Office. The councils have about 1,400 members each. The Abolish Greek life movement that has been sweeping across the country has made its way to Tech. It only seems like my position is unpopular because AGL, like “you are perpetuating white supremacy”, “white people at Vanderbilt are some of the worst, elitist folks you’ll ever come across. They take up so much space.”. There are racist, classist, classist, and homophobic people in every organization. 1. /*# sourceMappingURL=https://www.redditstatic.com/desktop2x/chunkCSS/TopicLinksContainer.361933014be843c79476.css.map*/, Another article with more info about Vanderbilt. Even if you aren’t in the roughly 40 percent of undergraduates who join a fraternity or sorority, their influence can be hard to escape, since they often dictate when the parties are, where the parties are, and exactly who’s invited. Thank you for this!!! I wondered, how could this happen if I only associate with people who look, act and think like me? Central Illinois mother who accidentally smothered baby is sentenced to probation | Local Crime & Courts. The account, featuring anonymous testimonials that detail negative experiences students have had with Greek life at MSU, has attracted hundreds of followers and been the subject of conversation in various student circles. I am likewise glad to see members and graduates of our campus’ most egregious IFC and Panhellenic chapters either drop or renounce their affiliations—I just wish they had done so sooner, since these problems are not new by any stretch of the imagination. I am likewise glad to see members and graduates of our cam. Are you claiming that you are not a part of the ICF at Vanderbilt? December 16, 2020 ‘The Voice’ 2020: Carter Rubin crowned winner. 3. Our local, state, dm regional district, and international branches all have scholarship programs and continue to influence our local community, the nation, and the world. Greek Abolish Greek Life instagram causes a stir on campus. Although the university has a “. Abolish Vandy IFCPH - Abolish Vandy IFCPH – Abolish Greek Life Season 1, Episode 3 My parents understood my concerns. Vanderbilt sorority instagram. At Vanderbilt University, an 'Abolish Greek Life' movement took root, sparking a debate on campus over the role of fraternities and sororities. Sure, maybe you have the perfect chapter (you don’t, but whatever), but what about your national chapter? I was astonished. Originally published 7/21 on Instagram. Instead, Princeton’s unregulated, unaccountable and unacceptable off-campus “Greek” system is to blame—and it is a direct result of the very policies that AGL seeks to implement here. Although the university has a “longstanding policy of withholding official recognition” from Greek organizations and, as of 2012, suspends both first-year students who attend “any activity sponsored by a fraternity or sorority” and the older students who invite them, Princeton’s community still grapples with unofficial “Greek” organizations that maintain rigid racial and socioeconomic divisions. More information. They created an Instagram account that shared people’s negative experiences with the Greek system, from racism to sexual assault to sexism to homophobia. Press J to jump to the feed. This is how I know AGL is wrong to characterize every Greek chapter as irredeemable. gay and bisexual brothers talked about their sexuality with absolute comfort, and I met brothers of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. Chapters. Tearing down one of its goals about your national chapter false – unless you ’ re even that organized?. 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