LETTERS: Community service not forced

To the Editor Several flaws are evident in his argument, not the least of which is the source the community service initiative. The 21st Century Plan for an Ivy League Greek System, which was penned by students -- not OFSA officials as he would contend -- seeks to recognize, support and encourage community service initiatives within individual chapters and across the entire Greek system? These are standards that the student leaders set for themselves and presidents of the individual chapters approved unanimously. OFSA's only involvement in the development of the plan was to direct students to helpful resources, encourage thorn to examine their founding principles and inspire them to see a vision of a greater Greek experience for its future members. There may be a couple of reasons why Allidina is misinformed. He is a member of a fraternity, and it is very possible that his chapter just votes for and approves things without discussing them as a chapter -- a dangerous, and should I say foolish, way to proceed. His lack of understanding may also come from the misleading headlines for which The Daily Pennsylvanian is quickly becoming famous. I have observed many articles recently that are substantively different than the headline projects. The complacency and outrage that Allidina is looking for is not there, because it was the students themselves that set their own standard -- not some extraneous power thrusting it upon these poor, helpless, voiceless victims. The standard is expressed as a guideline for a chapter, not a hard and fast requirement for individuals. I am happy to stand up and speak not only for my staff in OFSA, but for, what I believe to be the vast majoroty of my colleagues, when I say there is a great respect for students at Penn. At the same time, student are still students and have many of the same developmental tasks to accomplish and personal growth to experience as students all over the world. If Allidina is as motivated as he appears, then I would welcome the opportunity to sit and discuss his concerns in a more productive method than blind cnticism and foundation-less argument It is a sad state of affairs that Allidina has discounted his entire educational experience at Penn. Then again, if the education had accomplished its goal, perhaps he would research his topic more thoroughly before stepping up on his soapbox. Scott H. Reikofski Director, Office of Fraternity Sorority Affairs Tabard's arson response To the Editor: On behalf of the Tabard Society, we feel it is necessary to convey our thoughts regarding the events surrounding the Zeta Psi fraternity and the Tabard Society. Over the past ten years, the Tabard Society has formed a strong relationship with the Zeta Psi fraternity. Through academic and social interactions, we have come to know and respect the men comprising the brotherhood of the Zeta Psi fraternity. The events of this past Tuesday morning affected our society greatly, and we feel it is important to communicate our thoughts and understandings regarding the incident. While the incident can be perceived as injurious, we feel that the Zeta Psi fraternity had no intention to endanger the lives of those living in the Tabard house. Furthermore, we firmly believe there existed no intent to damage our house or our belongings. Over the past few years, individuals in the Tabard Society have formed relationships with the three brothers involved in the incident. Our friendships with these three individuals lead us to conclude that their intentions were not malicious. Zayd Hammam, Seth Schorr and Timothy Young are known within our society as caring and considerate individuals, and therefore we believe they did not intend to harm the women of the Tabard Society. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Jennifer Chow President, The Tabard Society Wharton '97