As the spring semester unfolds, rushing Greek life organizations returns to college with its stigmatized activities. Every year, thousands of Syracuse University students attend formal and casual social events where they have the opportunity to get acquainted with the different fraternities and sororities on campus.

Although popularized by its social opportunities, many people associate Greek life with problematic party settings. Instances of extreme hazing and even sexual assault are typically associated with fraternities, while sororities are associated with creating environments known for perpetuating toxic beauty standards. SU’s fraternities and sororities are not exempt from these ties. So, the question remains, what really is the appeal of joining a Greek organization?

Many students seeking to join Greek life are motivated by the idea of having a social setting where they can fit in, but sometimes, the opposite becomes true. The process of joining a Greek organization can become so overwhelming that students start acting like what they think will get them into the organization instead of like themselves.

Without even realizing it, some students adopt certain mannerisms or attitudes just to present themselves as desirable candidates. These mentalities can also create or add to body image and mental health issues of potential members. This can become truly problematic when certain archaic rituals, such as hazing, take place.

SU students should maintain their individuality throughout the process of rushing. Knowing how to set boundaries and say “no” are necessary skills when participating in these activities.

Although SU has a strict anti-hazing policy, rushing sometimes involves certain secretive “rites of passage” that defy SU’s regulations and can sometimes lead to suspension. Some students might not feel comfortable with certain aspects of Greek life but are afraid to challenge it and lose their spot with their organization. In these instances, students should stand up for themselves and others by setting their foot down and sticking to their principles.

Belonging to an organization should not mean losing one’s own identity just to be liked. Additionally, with the notion that many students spend hundreds of dollars a semester to be a part of a “sisterhood” or “brotherhood,” they should not feel pressured to remain silent about another member’s harmful behavior. Greek life should be a safe space where members can uphold their individuality and principles without any fear of rejection.

Students should also prioritize their own lives and academics throughout the long and arduous process of rushing. A study conducted at Duke University shows spring rush could potentially affect students’ academic performance.

The study compared students’ academic performance during the fall semester and the spring semester while also comparing students who became affiliated with Greek life and those who didn’t. The results demonstrated that academic performance primarily decreased in the spring semester for both men rushing to become new members and women conducting sorority recruitment.

Rushing a Greek organization should come second to academics. Dedicating too much time to it can become obsessive, degrading and all the more disappointing if recruitment results do not meet expectations.

Students who are rushing should take a step back and try to recognize their interests and ambitions before deciding to commit to a Greek organization. Losing individuality should not be a requirement to fit in with a group. In fact, demonstrating uniqueness could benefit students into getting a better match throughout this whole process.

It is true that finding a sense of belonging at college might seem like a daunting task and that Greek life can be a great asset to ease this, however, students should not lose perspective on who they are and what they believe in just to get bids from sorority or fraternity houses. Although it may seem like it at times, Greek life is not a reason to stop being true to yourself. Spending hundreds of dollars to have fellow students tell you how to act and what to wear is not the social standard needed to succeed at SU and beyond.

Karla Perez is a freshman magazine, news and digital journalism major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at ksperezd@syr.edu.

Published on January 31, 2022 at 9:59 pm