As a freshman, I’m new to the college experience. But I’m not new to hearing stories about Greek life.

I saw the video of the University of Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter performing a racist chant in 2015. I heard about Timothy Piazza’s death at Pennsylvania State University. And I saw the Theta Tau videos before I chose to attend Syracuse University. I have now seen the Zeta Beta Tau video.

Universities across the country have established social health programs to educate students about sex, drugs and alcohol. Institutions also work to address Greek life-related problems. They can always do more, but some responsibility rests on students.

Issues with fraternities or sororities may pop up across the country because students in Greek life aren’t being checked by their own brothers or sisters — simple as that. Change is more possible if change starts from within individual groups.

Colleges can bring in dozens of guest speakers and organize dozens of workshops to educate young students about physical safety and inclusivity. But ultimately, it’s up to the students themselves to decide whether or not they want to take that information and apply it in their own lives.

You can’t be complaisant and expect views on Greek life to suddenly change.

The majority of people in Greek life need to more actively represent their organizations. If you think Greek life gets a bad reputation, speak up.

Jaylon Coaxum is a freshman communications and rhetorical studies major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at jccoaxum@syr.edu

Published on September 16, 2018 at 7:03 pm