In my two years at Loyola, I have sat back and read article after article and letters to the editor attacking Loyola’s Greek community. I have been a Greek now for almost a year and must take a stand in defense of the sisterhood that I cherish.
Sororities and fraternities are not simply elite groups out to exclude those who do not fit neatly into their mold, though this is the perception that many people choose to believe. Yes, we are selective, and it is true that not everyone who rushes makes it in. However, this is a fact that cannot be held against the entire community.
It is not a realistic belief that sororities and fraternities can merely open themselves to allow everyone who is interested to join. If this were the case, the Greek community would be massive and chaotic. There are even national restrictions in place for most Greeks, limiting the number of new members brought in each season.
Social sororities and fraternities are meant to be exclusive, and this is part of their appeal. For those that do not want that exclusivity, nearly every college on campus has a Greek organization that is open to certain majors.
This and other misconceptions should not be what people think of when they see Greek letters in passing. Instead, the contributions that the Greek community makes to Loyola should be what come to mind first and foremost.
I know that everyone has heard the contributions Greeks make at least once before, but if this is true, then why is it that rumors are the only things that people choose to talk about? Instead of focusing on the negative and generally untrue aspects of Greek life, I think people should take the time to educate themselves before spreading the next hazing rumor. We are here to be enlightened, are we not?
I know Greeks make an easy target with their unusual jersey names and ritual secrets, but who is anyone to judge? Next time you start to question the Greek community, I ask you to keep in mind the great things about Greeks, in addition to their commitment and loyalty to each other.
Every Greek organization on campus is devoted to philanthropic charities, not only in New Orleans, but also on a national, sometimes international level. Greeks take the Jesuit ideal of charity and run with it.
Among the nine Panhellenic Council organizations, there are some 15 national charities that are supported, either by giving time or funds. When you factor in the National Panhellenic Council organizations, one can add eight more national philanthropies to that list.
Many members of the Greek community are also leaders on campus. Almost every Greek organization has at least one member devoted to other organizations. I know that my sorority alone has members in at least 18 organizations. Of these 18, four of my sisters hold either the title of president or vice president. And that’s only one sorority.
The goal of this column is to shed light on the good aspects and take away some of the harsh feelings people have for Greeks in general. People should know that it is not all partying but instead a business and a family.
The Greek community at Loyola makes a difference, and without it, the school would be at a great loss.
So next time there is buzz about a late night ritual activity, make the conscious choice not to follow the crowd in agreement but understand that maybe it’s all just ignorant hearsay.
