Photo of the Theta Chi fraternity house courtesy of Katie Goss ‘23.
By Kaveri Pillai ’23
Staff Writer
Content warning: this article discusses rape and drugging.
While higher education seems to have student safety in mind as we readjust to the “new normal” pandemic world, the sexual assault case at the Theta Chi chapter at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Sept. 18 compels us to question if these institutions are really monitoring student welfare.
On Sept. 19, a female first-year student made an anonymous confession on the social media app Yik Yak calling out Theta Chi members for drugging and sexually assaulting her. The widespread attention given to this case highlights the issue of accountability that UMass Amherst as an institution has failed to address. One cannot ignore the severity of this sexual assault report and its connection to Greek life in colleges. The problem isn’t unique to the Theta Chi chapter at UMass; the very institution of fraternities widely promotes a toxic culture for students. The need to rethink Greek life is imperative to create a healthy college environment.
On Sept. 25, within a week of the events at UMass, 22 Indiana University sororities pledged to boycott fraternity parties after 11 rape cases were reported against the fraternity brothers since the reopening of campus. This decision, along with the Theta Chi incident at UMass, define the image Greek societies have created for themselves.
Originally created as literary societies and social clubs in contrast to the bleak dormitory halls, Greek life in the late eighteenth century was established to fulfill the social needs of university students. They were initially aligned with tenets of leadership, scholarship, service and fellowship. These student communities were intended to be the bedrock of social engagement and designed to instill a sense of belonging. That being said, Greek life has deteriorated and now encourages cliquishness, classism, sexism, homophobia and racial insensitivity. According to a 2014 article from The Guardian, men who join fraternities are three times more likely to rape someone than men who do not. Conversely, women in sororities who attend fraternity parties are 74 percent more likely to be raped as compared to non-sorority women. A 2021 article from Vox states that the popularization of rape culture, sheer ignorance surrounding hazing and nonobservance of COVID-19 precautions have resulted in a substantial drop in fraternity and sorority enrollment.
Initially an organization of student self-governance, fraternities have now become a breeding ground for issues stemming from a lack of control, authority and surveillance. Issues regarding sexual assault, drugs and alcohol abuse would be better handled if the college administration intervened.
On Sept. 20, UMass’ Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy’s response to the sexual assault allegation was illustrative of administrative incompetence regarding incidents pertaining to Greek life. Subbaswamy stated, “While we respect and support a survivor’s decision whether or not to report an assault or pursue sanctions, we cannot take action against alleged perpetrators, whether they be individuals or organizations, without actionable evidence.”
This statement is a slap in the face to women who have come forward to report sexual abuse, and is a warning to those who choose to stay silent on similar mistreatments they have faced in fraternities. This level of misogyny and negligence speaks volumes with respect to the unequivocal support these institutions give to these houses of hate, inequality and chauvinistic ideals.
As a woman who has been to this fraternity house and has felt incredibly uncomfortable in the presence of these white, entitled and smug men, I am nauseated at how UMass as an institution is responding to the case and the protests taking place. Their lack of accountability permits chapters like Theta Chi to continue participating in these disgraceful activities. It is imperative that we rethink Greek life and put philanthropy and harmonious community-building in its place. Educational institutions need to urgently address these crucial issues. If the safety of students is a priority, the time to make a change is now.