Panel boycotts frat event

In an unprecedented move, the Panhellenic Council decided this week to boycott Derby Days, an annual philanthropic event sponsored by the Sigma Chi fraternity, due to concern over sexist activity associated with the events, former President Allison Marinoff said. Derby Days -- which aims to raise money for the Children's Crisis Treatment Center of Philadelphia -- consists of events such as a cheese-steak eating competition and a night out at Murphy's Tavern. Teams for the days, made up of sororities, compete against each other in hopes of raising the most money for the crisis treatment center. Panhel follows a national trend of boycotting the event in light of concerns stressed by the national organization. In a letter to all chapters, Marinoff said, "considerable concerns and strong disfavor have arisen both here and across the country over the recent years regarding the conduct of [fraternity brothers at Derby Days]." Some students who participated in the event said they have bad recollections from last year. College senior and Pi Beta Phi sister Amy Sykes said having sorority sisters do all the work, while Sigma Chi takes all the credit is "demeaning." In addition, Sykes said that during the events there have also been "rumors of attempted sexual assaults and worse that have gone on in the house." Sigma Chi brother Rick Dagrosa, who was the Derby Days chairperson last year, said he thinks the event has been misrepresented by Panhel. "I really don't think it's demeaning to women," the Engineering senior said. "It just so happens that we consider ourselves friends with a lot of sororities [and] it was a good opportunity for the sororities to get together and compete." Dagrosa added that Sigma Chi has raised over $35,000 for the crisis treatment center in the last four years. "I think its a travesty that they are going to lose that kind of money for the [center]," he said. "We are one of their major donors." Sigma Chi Vice President Chris Pearson agrees. "If [sexism] exists, then I think it would be a good thing to change that," the College sophomore said. "I don't think Derby Days fosters that." Panhel did say in its release that sisters could participate in the days, so long as they do not do so under the auspices of their sorority or Panhel. The issue of participation will be reconsidered next year, the statement added.