Recruitment Week is in full swing for the fraternities and sororities, and with it comes the return of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity to the U.
Phi Delta Theta was present at the U two years ago, but had its charter revoked after a hazing complaint from a student who claimed to have been kicked in the mouth by one of his fraternity brothers.
Though the hazing might have given the fraternity a spotted past, the reinstatement of its charter gives the fraternity a fresh start — not only for Phi Delta Theta, but for Greek Row as a whole.
Fraternities and sororities at the U have, in a sense, had a giant bull’s-eye painted on their backs. As with organizations such as the Associated Students of the University of Utah, university athletics and The Chronicle, it is easy to take one slip-up as a reflection of the entire organization.
In the case of Phi Delta Theta, the actions of a few members caused the disbandment of the whole fraternity and, in addition, shed a bad light on Greek Row.
It is a new year, though, and a new chance for Greek Row to create a new image for the fraternities and sororities. Greek Row is a staple at the U and has the potential to grow instead of dwindling house by house because the public has a poor perception of what being greek means.
Though the past two years have remained relatively quiet, it seems as though the greeks have been plagued with shrinking recruitment numbers, friction with neighbors and trouble with the administration. All of that can change, though, if all greeks take on the responsibility of representing Greek Row in a positive way by discouraging hazing and physical harm, staying on the good side of the law when it comes to drinking and parties, and even by going the extra mile to show non-greek neighbors how well-mannered the greeks really are.
Additionally, new members should use their pledgeship to foster a level of respect between themselves and their brothers or sisters that does not include the possibility of bad relationships.
Greek Row is an important facet of student life at the U. It provides many students with a good outlet to make lifelong friends, participate in a variety of community service projects and is, most importantly, a place where students can ease the stresses of school with fun. It has been around forever and we hope it stays around forever, thanks to the greeks’ efforts to do their best.