As universities continue to grapple with the safety of their students, Greek life comes under scrutiny once again following a serious incident at Cornell University. The case involving a student, known as Jane Doe, who alleges she was gang-raped at a fraternity house, has sparked renewed discussions about the role of fraternities and sororities on campuses.
The Incident and Legal Actions
Jane Doe has taken legal action against both the fraternity where the alleged assault occurred and her own sorority, accusing them of failing to protect her. This case adds to the growing list of high-profile sexual assault allegations linked to fraternity houses, raising questions about the safety measures employed by these organizations.
Insights from Alexandra Robbins
Alexandra Robbins, an experienced journalist who has delved deeply into Greek life through her books “Pledged: The Secret Life Of Sororities” and “Fraternity: An Inside Look At A Year Of College Boys Becoming Men,” shared her perspective on the issue. Robbins emphasized that while not all fraternity chapters should be judged by this incident, it highlights the dangerous group norms that can sometimes develop, where loyalty can overshadow student safety.
Fraternities, Sororities, and Campus Safety
Robbins pointed out that one of the problems lies in how sororities often place their members into fraternity environments without sufficient safety protocols. She noted that while sorority houses are usually dry, fraternity houses often control the party scene, which can lead to risky situations.
Efforts to Address Sexual Assault
In recent years, there has been a heightened focus on combating sexual assault on campuses. According to Robbins, some fraternity chapters have made significant strides in creating cultures that oppose sexual violence. She shared the example of a fraternity chapter where sober monitors are mandatory at parties to prevent excessive drinking and potentially harmful situations.
Advice for Sororities and Parents
Robbins suggests that sororities should reduce their emphasis on aligning with fraternity brothers and instead consider other student groups that might present fewer risk factors. She also advocates for the presence of sober sisters at events, similar to the sober monitors in fraternities.
For concerned parents, Robbins advises checking databases listing hazing events and encourages open discussions about alcohol use with their children. She cautions against chapters that heavily emphasize conformity, as these may be more prone to groupthink, which can lead to trouble.
For more information, you can listen to the NPR interview with Alexandra Robbins here.
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