As time progresses, cultural constructs change, values transform and we struggle to hold on to the traditions we once valued so highly. One of those endangered traditions is fraternity life at ASU.
Like many incoming freshmen, I came to college expecting my weekends to be full of house parties with supermodels, kegs and the occasional pig running through the house. Instead, I found that fraternity row had been knocked down. Former Interfraternity Vice President Davey Breitman stated, "Nobody wants to see a large part of the Greek community's history end up a pile of rubble. Brothers of our houses from up to 50 years ago lived there; it's a pretty historical landmark." Unfortunately, a pile of rubble is, indeed, all that remains today.
Fraternities were left with the option to either move into sketchy complexes in higher risk areas, residential neighborhoods where they disturb families or back into University housing at Vista Del Sol’s Greek Village. When I think of fraternity life at ASU, I think of the phrase, “You don’t have to go home, you just have to get the heck out of here.”
This isn’t going to be an argument blaming Michael Crow and the University. This isn’t going to be an argument blaming previous incidents that led to the punishment of our fraternities. I am not going to blame anyone for the changes taking place. But I will say that what is responsible for these changes is time and social evolution.
One might still argue that fraternities have been the victims of the administration, but they fail to overlook the fact that the administration was also a victim — of something even greater. Wild parties, hazing and underage drinking are no longer tolerated the way they were 30 years ago. Pressure from Tempe families, police and political figures have led the administration at ASU with no choice but to drop the iron fist on fraternities as soon as they slip up.
The same morals, rules and status quo that existed when some of our fathers or grandfathers rushed fraternities are no longer accepted today. For example, in previous generations, universities typically turned a blind eye to fraternity parties. Today, new laws have been imposed in Tempe that require special housing permits for affiliates of Greek organizations, as well as a heftier fine for noise complaints.
I am not trying to discredit the brotherhood or camaraderie exhibited by fraternity brothers at ASU. I’m simply saying that as we continue being faced with hurdles to jump over and compromise for, our definition of fraternity is getting further and further away from what it meant to the previous generation. And I’m sure that the previous generation’s definition varied greatly from that before it, too. Change is inevitable and can be good, but here we are at ASU, 85 years after the establishment of Greek life on campus, with limited housing, limited freedom and limited patience. What’s next?
Fraternity life is dying out at ASU. It’s not something I want to see happen; it’s just something I think will happen. So, for those of you still thinking about a joining a fraternity — I say do it. It was one of the best decisions I made here at college. Just remember to enjoy it while it lasts. The type of fraternity your father joined no longer exists at ASU. And the type of fraternity you've joined, if any at all, might not be there for your kids.
Reach the columnist at ralynch3@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @ryguy916
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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