[SigEp Alum]

"Calling 'Non-Balanced Man' chapters 'traditional' implies that Balanced Man chapters have no tradition."

Well, individual BMP chapters may have some traditions on their own accord but the Balanced Man program is about as "traditional" as cell phones. I have no qualm with calling a spade a spade - traditional chapters are just that - traditional (ya know, with the evil pledge system and all).

Now, for truth's sake, I won't sit here and defend the "traditional" (pledge) system with claims that "its always been done that way." First of all, I may be an alumni, but I'm only 22, and secondly, the truth is that for the first few years of the Fraternity, there was no pledge system. But for that matter, there was no Ritual as we know it, either. These things took a few years to develop.

I think that the Balanced Man program is a travesty because it says to the world that SigEp was sub-par before the institution of this system. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying there is nothing good about the BMP, but the good aspects could have been implemented without doing away with the traditional pledge system and completely (in my opinion) shredding the Ritual by dividing it into unnatural "rites."

Another problem (and probably my biggest problem) with the BMP is the way it is being handeled by Nationals. I realize that, at this point, a traditional chapter cannot be forced to adopt the Balanced Man program (unless they are kicked off campus) but I am affraid that in the not-so-distant future, we will see a move to force all remaining traditional chapters to become BM chapters.

I think that it is asanine that new and re-chartered chapters do not have the choice as to whether or not they will be traditional or Balanced Man. Does our Fraternity really have something against traditional chapters? Evidently so. Just look at the current policy- it makes it look as though BMP chapters are preferable to traditional chapters. If they are not, why not give newly chartered chapters a choice as to whether they want to be traditional or Balanced Man? The answer to that question is right up there with "Where is Jimmy Hoffa?"

My opinion is that all of the traditional chapters that are left should band together (with friendly BMP chapters) at the next Conclave and get a bill passed protecting existing traditional chapters from being forced to go BM, ever.

Sorry about the ranting and raving but coming from a traditional chapter (and a Southern one at that), I was there as we swatted Nationals' not-so-subtle suggestions year after year that we become Balanced Man. And believe you me, it is very disHEARTening to feel like you are a "second-class" chapter in the eyes of your national fraternity simply because of your age and by virtue of the fact that you cherish your Fraternity's heritage and tradition.

In the Heart,
SigEp Alumni - HFF