Frat Houses
BY SIVAPRIYA MARIMUTHU '23
Greek life plays a vital role in the college experience for countless students across the United States. Fraternities were originally established by John Heath in 1776 as a mechanism to unite college students with similar interests. Heath’s Phi Beta Kappa, the first Greek-letter society, created a world of secrecy and rituals which are still preserved by modern fraternities today. These social groups rapidly dominated the college community, helping individuals establish friendships and partake in riveting traditions. However, by perpetuating perilous hazing rituals and building racial and financial barriers, fraternities quickly became the core of colleges’ human and cultural dysfunctions.
Over the years, the demand to join fraternities steadily increased as these groups gained popularity. Fraternities are frequently portrayed as a way to gain validation in the college world. These elite clubs have established themselves in the center of the social experience at college and designated themselves as the most popular club for students to join upon arrival, explaining the massive number of freshmen typically present during the recruitment process.
However, fraternity life isn’t as fun as it’s often depicted to be. The immense amount of recklessness in frat culture encourages college students to participate in dangerous activities, including excessive drinking and drug experimentation simply to gain clout. Regardless of the “Tough Guy” reputation one may obtain from these perilous choices, long-term health consequences greatly outweigh the temporary gratification. Still, the dangers don’t stop at substance abuse. Being the go-to place for wild parties, frat houses are often precarious, and sexual crimes are commonplace. Although countless members have faced sexual abuse lawsuits, the cases are usually stifled by the leaders who use their connections and hefty bribes to silence victims.
From escaping criminal charges to garnering special job opportunities, fraternity connections have proved useful in members’ careers. In fact, since 1825, the majority of U.S. government officials, including presidents, have been fraternity men. Fraternity connections can provide unfair advantages to its members. Even more problematic, however, is the racial inequality frat houses ultimately promote.
Although racial exclusion is forbidden in fraternity recruitment, bias still exists. Frats originated as a way for white, upper-class men to gather in a club that excluded minority groups. As campuses started developing a more inclusive mindset, impartial to race or socioeconomic status, Greek organizations revolted and resisted diversification. They began implementing exorbitant admission prices and refused to racially diversify their selected members. Students who are unable to pay the tens of thousands of dollar entry fees are left in the dust, giving the wealthy, white men who have the means to enter yet another advantage. Given the future benefits, this discrimination heavily deprives minority groups of significant opportunities and hinders their growth as working citizens from the beginning of their college careers and forwards.
Ultimately, these racial and financial barriers perpetuate a never-ending cycle of privilege, taking resources and potential away from minorities and low-income households. Knowing fraternities’ encouragement of risky behavior and the promotion of an unjust system, society must truly question the validity and necessity of such institutions.
Over the years, the demand to join fraternities steadily increased as these groups gained popularity. Fraternities are frequently portrayed as a way to gain validation in the college world. These elite clubs have established themselves in the center of the social experience at college and designated themselves as the most popular club for students to join upon arrival, explaining the massive number of freshmen typically present during the recruitment process.
However, fraternity life isn’t as fun as it’s often depicted to be. The immense amount of recklessness in frat culture encourages college students to participate in dangerous activities, including excessive drinking and drug experimentation simply to gain clout. Regardless of the “Tough Guy” reputation one may obtain from these perilous choices, long-term health consequences greatly outweigh the temporary gratification. Still, the dangers don’t stop at substance abuse. Being the go-to place for wild parties, frat houses are often precarious, and sexual crimes are commonplace. Although countless members have faced sexual abuse lawsuits, the cases are usually stifled by the leaders who use their connections and hefty bribes to silence victims.
From escaping criminal charges to garnering special job opportunities, fraternity connections have proved useful in members’ careers. In fact, since 1825, the majority of U.S. government officials, including presidents, have been fraternity men. Fraternity connections can provide unfair advantages to its members. Even more problematic, however, is the racial inequality frat houses ultimately promote.
Although racial exclusion is forbidden in fraternity recruitment, bias still exists. Frats originated as a way for white, upper-class men to gather in a club that excluded minority groups. As campuses started developing a more inclusive mindset, impartial to race or socioeconomic status, Greek organizations revolted and resisted diversification. They began implementing exorbitant admission prices and refused to racially diversify their selected members. Students who are unable to pay the tens of thousands of dollar entry fees are left in the dust, giving the wealthy, white men who have the means to enter yet another advantage. Given the future benefits, this discrimination heavily deprives minority groups of significant opportunities and hinders their growth as working citizens from the beginning of their college careers and forwards.
Ultimately, these racial and financial barriers perpetuate a never-ending cycle of privilege, taking resources and potential away from minorities and low-income households. Knowing fraternities’ encouragement of risky behavior and the promotion of an unjust system, society must truly question the validity and necessity of such institutions.