Become informed before bashing

I am writing in response to Dennis Reardon’s April 3 letter, “BU should not start funding Greek life” (pg. 11). As an active member of the Greek system, I was surprised that someone so uninformed about a topic would choose to write about it. After reading this letter, I’m beginning to think that his statement “I am ignorant of the specific workings of the council with regards to the specific fraternities” is an understatement. I have no problem with an individual disliking the Greek system after they have taken the time to research it and speak to members. Maybe it’s not for everyone. However, I do take offense when someone chooses to criticize something based on stereotypes and “stories of people who actually join these fraternities.” While I can not speak for the entire Greek system on this matter, I can assure you that I was not hazed.

Also, Dennis states that “the current Student Union government and the ‘True 2′ slate have been working to get greater funding for the Inter Fraternity Sorority Council,” when in fact this statement is untrue. Although the IFSC is the largest student group on campus, it currently receives no funding.

I think Dennis has us tagged as a group of cookie-cutter images that only associate with others of our kind. I find it difficult to call to mind the name of even one of my sorority sisters that is not involved in some other club, activity or volunteer work outside of the Greek system. I also enjoy the fact that I have the option of spending time with my Greek and non-Greek friends alike. I’m glad that Boston University isn’t a “Go Greek or Go Home” school. If it had been like the stereotype, I would never have joined.

With all the other stereotypes, I’m surprised he didn’t bring up the common misconception that all we do is party. While it does provide the opportunity for social activities, that is not the aspect of we are seeking funding for. Dennis’ comments imply that the Greek system does not do community service. If you were interested in community service, you would have stumbled across one of the many Greek sponsored service events. Also, if you had actually been following the whole Greek debate, that the Greek system does in fact participate in many community service activities. In the past year alone, the Greek system has raised approximately $50,000 for charity (according to Greek advisor Seth Rosenzweig). He also estimates that members of the Greek system devote thousands of hours to service every year. To top it all off, the first official Greek service organization was formed this semester.

Dennis, I completely agree with your statement, “What I think we need to do at BU is focus our efforts more on improving the worthwhile clubs and organizations that are doing community service and bringing people at BU together with our undergraduate fee.” As a group of students that does so much for the community, we do deserve funding. And if you’d like to debate this issue face to face, you can find me next Wednesday night at Atlas volunteering for my sorority’s “Ivy Man” competition for charity. Some of the proceeds will be given to Rosie’s Place (a women’s shelter in Boston) and half the proceeds will be given to the charity of the winner’s choosing. If that can’t be classified as community service, then I don’t know what can be.