This past weekend, the unrecognized fraternities Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Mu were ejected from the Kappa Kappa Gamma charity kickball event for breast cancer prevention and awareness. This page agrees that in order for University recognition to be significant, certain restrictions must exist on the official interaction between recognized and unrecognized Greek-letter groups. The circumstances of this event, however, indicate the University did not have the jurisdiction to apply its policy.

In an effort to discourage association with unrecognized Greek-letter groups, the Panhellenic Council requires all sororities to sign a statement prohibiting official interaction between on-campus and off-campus Greek-letter groups. This page agrees that groups like SAE, Sammy and “Apes” should not participate in official Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association events such as Casino Night during CI and assorted Greek-affiliated barbecues and other recruitment events. Allowing them to do so enables them to enjoy the perks of being a recognized fraternity while not having to abide by the restrictions it imposes. If the Kappa kickball fundraiser were an exclusively Greek-letter event, there would be no grounds for protest against the expulsion. The reality is much more complex.

While only Greek-letter groups participated in the event, it was nominally open to the public. Last year, several non-Greek teams participated. Despite being in the middle of Greek Week, the event was not listed in its advertisements and publications. By inviting Sammy and SAE to participate in the philanthropy, however, Kappa undermined the interests of the recognized Greek-letter community by allowing unrecognized groups to enjoy the same perks.

This page has consistently opposed the University policy of holding groups collectively responsible if five or more members of that group are participating in an event. It is a dangerous precedent to classify students as groups first and students second.

The University should ensure there is a separation between recognized and unrecognized Greek-letter groups. They were, however, out of line in interfering with Kappa’s philanthropy because it was not an official Greek function and should not be subject to the same rules.