Shelondra Harris and Austin Miller
Guest Writers
Pacific Lutheran University doesn’t have a Greek row, but that isn’t a bad thing.
Some students would say that PLU should implement a Greek system because of the widely-known benefits sororities and fraternities may bring to the campus. However, Greek systems need to be analyzed from a more critical perspective.
Let’s start with what we know. Greek systems often do plenty of good within their communities, such as charity work and community engagement. Members are granted a sense of pride along with a lifelong brotherhood or sisterhood.
However, Greek systems also promote elitist views.
Many of us have heard about Oklahoma University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s racist video. The video displayed the fraternity singing racist chants against the membership of Black students.
Although extreme racism is present in this case, it doesn’t prove that all Greek systems are racist. Yet this situation shines light on the institutionalized problems that are deeply embedded in Greek systems.
Greek systems are exclusive to one type of student. Most sororities or fraternities are predominantly one race.
“Being in a sorority or fraternity is a privileged thing,” junior Kindra Galan said. “There are either all white sororities or all minority. There really isn’t any in-between.”
To go Greek often means paying high fees.
On top of paying tuition, a lot of students cannot afford to pay these expenses.
Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are automatically dismissed from membership.
“I think [Greek systems] are a waste of money. There are other and better ways to build community,” sophomore Bruno Correa said.
PLU strives for an inclusive community. Students don’t have to worry about what the top house on campus is or being rejected because of superficial factors.
Having a Greek system tends to exclude non-affiliated students, whether this is by race, socio-economic class or other identities.
Without a Greek row, students can still have most of the benefits that a Greek system offers, such as networking and community outreach.
PLU is able to achieve a more all-encompassing campus without a Greek row.
