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Originally Posted by LXA grits
I dissagree with LXAAlum...
While the fate of the chapter might result in its closure...I don't think it would be closed on the basis of "they made headlines." I trust the judgment of our brothers in the "deciding positions" better than to make a call about our bond based off of media attention. Again, I will say what I posted earlier about what I'm sure will ring true:
"If the decision comes down to our Office of Administration or a Status of Chapters Committee during this summer’s General Assembly…then I’m sure our brothers will do what’s in the best interest of the experience shared by the members of this fraternity."
Again, that might mean the chapter gets shut down, or it might bean one member goes on social probation...I don't know the particulars. But, the goal still remains to ensure the success of the Lambda Chi Alpha organization and the ideals we uphold. I have NO DOUBT that HQ, the GHZ, or whatever entity will move forward with that in mind. No doubt at all.
Of course, the negative light that is cast upon our chapter there, and upon our international organization, might open the doors to more consideration about how we are percieved. If we are known on that campus as 50 drug-dealers operating out of a meth-lab (even if it's not 100% true)....then, that's going to affect recruitment, philanthropy, social stigma, and the relationship with the university. Then, the decision to close the chapter and wait for a more inviting environment to operate our Zeta there, might be more appropriate. Again, we aren't in the position of "deciding this case", so we can't say. If you do want to have that official voice, go to General Assembly and try to gain the alumni speaking opportunities. Active members, maybe you'll play a part in the decision...so I''d encourage you to brush up on your Constitution knowledge. Myself...I'm saving up $$$ for the Centennial!
Yours in Z A X ,
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Grits, while I hope I am wrong, past experiences with chapters in trouble have shown me that IHQ sometimes believes it is better to shut the entire chapter down and restart it after conditions change, even if the allegations against said chapter are either dismissed or the group found not guilty.
I don't think that it's a lack of leadership on IHQ's part, by the way. I think they believe they act in the best interests of the entire fraternity by taking such actions, unpopular though they may be, and, they haven't always had a good track record either, though I think things are going in the right way in Indianapolis now.
I've never agreed with certain decisions, though, I do understand their rationale behind decisions that affected brothers and chapters near and dear to my heart. It doesn't make it any less painful for all involved.
When it comes down to costs/benefits, that's where the decision about SDSU will be made - is it worth the potential PR black eye to simply put the chapter on probation, now that the entire campus's and greek system's reputation has been called into question, or, would it be more beneficial to close now, and recolonize again after HQ is assured that the campus is truly "favorable" to our ideals?
Like you stated, it's all about the stigma/perception this incident will leave with the campus after the press finally decides to move on to another "story of the week."
Then again, most, if not all the press about the SDSU situation focuses on another fraternity altogether, so that may be in our chapter's benefit.