National offices of Greek organizations are responsible for ensuring that individual chapters’ membership and behavior accurately reflect the principles and values of that fraternity or sorority. Given that the University refuses to recognize Greek organizations, it is more difficult for it to hold such groups accountable. The onus, then, falls on the national offices to do so. National representatives have a responsibility to ensure that Greek life at Princeton represents a safe and responsible social opportunity for all students, and they should increase their involvement with the administration of individual Greek chapters on campus.
National executives of Princeton’s Greek organizations must work harder to ensure that rush and the pledging process are in accordance with stated goals and principles. An increase in communication regarding pledging standards, anti-hazing hotlines and membership education programs would help serve this purpose. While other universities can threaten to revoke recognition of a fraternity or sorority for bad behavior, Princeton has left itself without this option by choice. To fill this void, national executives should conduct investigations into the practices of chapters at Princeton and consider the elimination of these chapters if noncompliance with stated rules continues to be a problem.
Fraternities and sororities do not represent an inherently negative presence on campus. They already play a significant role in social life at Princeton and can be positive contributors to campus life. When the safety of students is in question, however, those in power have a moral responsibility to take action and demand accountability. The Editorial Board continues to advocate for University recognition of these chapters as a means of promoting responsibility and accountability in Greek life. In the absence of this, the national offices of Greek organizations should increase communication and oversight of Princeton’s chapters to protect the values of their institutions and ensure the safety of all students involved.
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