EDITORIAL: So Far, So Good

The IFC got off to a rockyThe IFC got off to a rockystart this semester, but hardThe IFC got off to a rockystart this semester, but hardwork and a new-found will-The IFC got off to a rockystart this semester, but hardwork and a new-found will-ingness to work with the UniversityThe IFC got off to a rockystart this semester, but hardwork and a new-found will-ingness to work with the Universityhas helped overcome many pitfallsThe IFC got off to a rockystart this semester, but hardwork and a new-found will-ingness to work with the Universityhas helped overcome many pitfalls___________________________________ First, the Commission On Strengthening the Community's preliminary report recommended that rush be postponed until sophomore year. After fraternities and sororities protested that such a rule would spell death for many chapters, a spring rush compromise -- outlined in the final report -- was reached. The new system will go into effect next year. Second, last spring AEPi was placed on pledge probation and a few months later Phi Kappa Sigma was unceremoniously evicted by alumni from their Locust Walk house. Finally, two weeks ago several fights involving fraternity members erupted at various locations on and off campus. Throughout all this, the InterFraternity Council has stood fast, condemning hazing and violence and mediating nasty disputes between chapters, alumni and the University. Unlike some of their predecessors, who seemed oblivious to the University community, the current IFC leadership is working with the administration to address many of the issues raised in the Commission's report. To limit "dirty rush" and ensure the fairness of the rush process, they set up a self-monitoring judicial mechanism. To make the fraternity system accessible to all, not just a select few, they organized a "Greek Orientation", featuring none other than Ed Rendell as keynote speaker. To ease the transition towards the implementation of the Commission's recommendations while still safeguarding the interests of individual chapters they negotiated a shorter three-week fall rush for this year. In short, the IFC has shown a willingness to change and adapt to a changing campus, without compromising its strength or integrity. IFC leaders have provided the kind of leadership that has lacked in the past. IFC president Hayden Horowitz recently received the Order of the Diamond Circle, his fraternity's highest award for an undergraduate member, recognizing academic performance, community involvement and campus leadership. Coming off this honor, we urge Horowitz and the IFC to maintain their flexible and progressive attitudes in further dealing with serious issues affecting fraternities, such as the alcohol policy, hazing, fraternity liability and lingering Greek stereotypes.