I
do not support Greek Unity Week. I am a member of a sorority and I have respect for each house. I do not have a deep-seated hatred for the other houses on campus. Instead, I think attempting to force organized unity is misguided and destined for failure.
Greek Unity Week, created by the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council, intends to make a statement on campus by wearing matching outfits on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week. The goal is less animosity among the houses and an appreciation for the impact Greeks have on campus.
My sorority has been an essential part of my college experience, and everyone should at least consider going Greek. Having sororities and fraternities on campus is a positive part of Hillsdale’s identity.
Greek Unity Week reflects poorly on the system because it will not foster any true unity. No one thinks that wearing the same thing for three days will make Greeks forget the differences among the houses. Instead of solving the problem, this week seems to imply that there is a problem. I have found that the fraternities and sororities generally get along and are flourising.
Joining a sorority or fraternity, however, is not a statement of supporting the Greek system as a whole. Choosing a house means supporting the overall character and mission of that house. It is a decision to associate oneself with a certain set of people on Hillsdale’s campus. You prefer one house over the others for a reason.
Each house has an individual identity. Although the houses overlap in character, no one wants to merge together to create one fraternity and one sorority on campus. Through each house acting in its own interest to improve itself, the system is strengthened as a whole. Greek unity comes naturally from each house respecting the others, and does not need to be encouraged artificially.
Greek unity can grow on an individual basis. Making friends outside of one’s house will foster an appreciation and respect for other Greek organizations. But the movement should begin at the lowest level.
A little bit of competition is a healthy thing. My sorority did not win the Scholarship Cup last semester, and this has challenged us to work harder. The strength of the other two houses challenges us to better ourselves.
No one in the Greek system wants another house to leave campus. If one house is in jeopardy, the others want to help it recover. Last year when Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity faced troubles, every house supported its reform efforts. Greeks want to see the system continue.
Greek Unity Week is well-intentioned and I commend the efforts of the Panhellenic Council and IFC to encourage good relations. With a little work, Hillsdale can continue to improve its thriving Greek system.
