Greeks drink more, Harvard study says

If a recent Harvard University study applies to the University, then those involved in the Greek system drink more often and more heavily than non-Greeks. But University students and Greek leaders alike say they do not believe the study accurately reflects life at the University. According to the study -- which was completed by Harvard School of Public Health researchers and released this weekend -- 86 percent of fraternity house residents across the country reported having five or more drinks in succession at least once over a two-week period. And 80 percent of sorority sisters said they swallowed at least four drinks in a row within the same time span. The study found that these numbers were substantially lower for those outside the Greek system. But University students said they did not think the results were true for them. "There's nothing inherent in the Greek system that would lead to a greater consumption of alcohol," said InterFraternity Council President Dave Treat, a College senior. "I would guess [the results] would not be the case here." And College sophomore Mike Kahn said his friends who are not part of the Greek system drink just as much as he and his fraternity brothers. "It depends more on the person and their drinking habits than on a fraternity or non-fraternity situation," added Kahn, a Sigma Alpha Mu brother. But College freshman Jelena Vojinovic said that even in the short time she has been at the University, she has determined that those involved in the Greek system most likely drink more because "it's there." "People who are living there and always going to parties could drink more because it's available," she said, adding that she has no interest in joining a sorority. But College sophomore Sasha Schamber said she thinks sorority women do not drink nearly as much as the Harvard study indicated. The Chi Omega sister estimated that a large percentage of those involved with sororities "don't drink as much as the study said." Schamber noted that sorority sisters might drink more at mixers than at other times -- but even then, they drink "in a responsible way." The study also found that college administrations do not always attempt to curtail the heavy drinking. It showed that only six percent of fraternity house residents received warnings about their drinking and one percent were referred to alcohol treatment programs. But Treat was quick to point out the Greek system's efforts to work with the University in controlling alcohol consumption. Last year, the IFC voted to strictly enforce a "Bring Your Own Beer" policy at fraternity parties. The Harvard study surveyed 15,000 students representing 115 different schools. Last December, the same research group discovered that binge drinking had also become a problem on college campuses, finding that 44 percent of those surveyed had engaged in at least one binge in a two-week period. In the most recent example of universities taking action against alcohol consumption, the University of Rhode Island recently banned alcohol from all campus student events, including fraternity parties and homecoming events. Fines and suspensions could greet anyone who disobeys the new rule.