Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Greek community at Boston University, let me be clear: The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) and the nine recognized social fraternities we represent do not tolerate, condone, or participate in any form of sexual violence, assault, harassment or misconduct.
Yesterday’s “April Fools’ Edition” of The Daily Free Press was 100 percent fictitious, and while meant solely in jest, was in bad taste and could potentially have a very real, unfounded negative impact on Greek Life’s reputation. No IFC member has faced any allegations of sexual assault of any kind. Rather, we as a community have taken, and continue to take, a stand in the fight against such heinous acts. For example, each of the nine fraternities attended the recent “Take Back the Night Walk,” and we continue to work with our fellow students in promoting safety in our Boston University community.
This is just one of many values that Greek Life holds dear. We hold ourselves accountable, as Greek men, to achieve the ideals of leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and, most importantly, brotherhood. Our members dedicate thousands of hours towards community service every year, donate tens of thousands of dollars to charity and serve the community as leaders in many non-Greek student organizations (Student Union, Habitat for Humanity, Allocations Board, Programming Council and Residence Hall Association are but a few examples). While there are many unfounded negative stereotypes that are associated with Greek Life, I assure you that none of these are tolerated within the recognized male Greek organizations here at Boston University. We are organizations that focus on fostering lifelong friendships, character development, and most importantly, respect – respect for each other, respect for ourselves and respect for our fellow students.
Thank you,
Jimmy Czodli
IFC President
College of Arts and Sciences,
Class of 2012