The University of Maryland College Park is undergoing serious changes, from new majors being added to the Class of 2028 to deciding if the college is the right fit for them. However, the largest adaptation is the banning of every single fraternity and sorority.
March 1 was the official date when all 52 chapters across campus had to shut down, and investigations quickly started thereafter. Although the university has not come out to the press in terms of specific allegations, it is suspected that the chapters participated in extreme cases of bullying, hazing, and mixing alcohol into each case (source: CBS News).
Students came out to WBAL in interviews, saying that police were searching through the houses as well as random Greek Life students’ phones. This included reading text messages and going through receipts of phone calls without students’ lawyers present.
To combat this, many fraternities have filed suits against University of Maryland — their reason being that suspending all 52 chapters based on allegations is a violation of their freedom of speech.
Another violation to their freedom of speech was a letter that the university sent out to all sorority and fraternity chapters. The letter at first seemed like it was just about an upcoming interview and investigation processes, but delving deeper into the letter, more restrictions were introduced.
Continuous Open Biding, or COB for short, is a unique process that select fraternities and sororities offer. If a student does not wish to rush in the fall, then they can participate in COB. This includes going to certain events and meeting with chapter members at a much more affordable cost.
In the letter, the University of Maryland stated that no communication to interested students would be allowed, and incoming students were not allowed access to communicate with current members (source: UMD).
Even though this is indeed a violation of the First Amendment, hazing is a serious concern that needs to be brought to attention. Suspending all chapters is best for ensuring that such bullying does not happen again.
While it is important to prevent hazing and keep college students safe, punishing all Greek organizations for the actions of a few can have serious implications.
For many juniors and seniors, Greek Life is an important factor in their college decision. Many schools are known for their lively sororities and fraternities that drive student life. Without this, these schools lose a huge part of their identity, and students who are drawn to a school because of their Greek Life may be disappointed.
Additionally, Greek Life has major benefits for students who are involved. The close-knit sense of community and belonging allows big schools to feel more like home and provides comfort to young adults learning independence.
The organizations are also responsible for holding many events for both members and non-members. These events are de-stressors from difficult classes and provide an opportunity for students to meet new friends.
Finally, many chapters have philanthropies and fundraisers. They hold events and raise money for organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association. If Greek Life is banned or restrained, these groups are negatively impacted.
If all sororities and fraternities ceased to exist, the number of students who are victims of hazing would likely be reduced. However, it would not completely eliminate the issue. Instead, it would eliminate all of the good that comes from Greek Life. Sororities and fraternities each have pros and cons. They all have the ability to do both good and bad on college campuses. Because of that, young adults going to college need to be aware of the realities of Greek Life.
It is important to remember that Greek Life is not a guarantee. There is always a chance that the organization could be shut down like UMD’s. Because of this, students should not base their entire college decision process on a potential sorority or fraternity. Commit to a school because you like the culture and the academics, not because of Tri Delta.
Most importantly, stay safe. As young adults exploring the world independently, smart choices are essential.