Connecticut in the news

[formerccd]

This one really upsets me. This is my school and this chapter has not been recognized in quite a while. I feel bad for the national org that is getting their name dragged around for a group they knew was trouble and stopped recognizing. My state is having a pretty bad few weeks in terms of Greek life. This chapter started around the same time as my chapter (we started about a year before them) and they only lasted a few years. Greek life at Hartford is a mess.

http://www.courant.com/news/connecti...,2857010.story

[DaffyKD]

I can be quite naive when it comes to "underground" organizations. I know when Kappa Delta closes a chapter, all ritual materials are returned to National. 1) how are these underground groups able to initiate if they don't have the ritual materials? 2) Do the new members know that the group is underground and not recognized by the National organization? 3) Do the new members realize the implications of not being members of the national organization at the time they join? 4) Do the new members only find out that they are not members of the national organization when they go to sue the national group and find they have no standing? 5) I know they are freshman and not wise to the ways of the world but do they not understand the liability issues of not joining a recognized group? 6) Do the universities have any responsibility in making sure their students are aware of the risks of joining a underground group?

DaffyKD

[Sen's Revenge]

Originally Posted by DaffyKD

I can be quite naive when it comes to "underground" organizations. I know when Kappa Delta closes a chapter, all ritual materials are returned to National. 1) how are these underground groups able to initiate if they don't have the ritual materials? 2) Do the new members know that the group are underground and not recognized by the National organization? 3) Do the new members realize the implications of not being members of the national organization at the time they join? 4) Do the new members only find out that they are not members of the national organization when they go to sue the national group and find they have no standing? 5) I know they are freshman and not wise to the ways of the world but do they not understand the liability issues of not joining a recognized group? 6) Do the universities have any responsibility in making sure their students are aware of the risks of joining a underground group?

DaffyKD

1) Even if originals are confiscated, I'm sure people make copies. Aside from the ritual books themselves, I'm sure anything else used in a ritual could be replicated somehow.

2) 5) and 6) Most schools with Greek life will have a notation in the student handbook and Greek life websites about which groups are underground and may also strongly advise against joining an underground group.

3) Probably

4) I am not sure they wouldn't have standing.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Sen's Revenge

1) Even if originals are confiscated, I'm sure people make copies. Aside from the ritual books themselves, I'm sure anything else used in a ritual could be replicated somehow.

2) 5) and 6) Most schools with Greek life will have a notation in the student handbook and Greek life websites about which groups are underground and may also strongly advise against joining an underground group.

3) Probably

4) I am not sure they wouldn't have standing.

I have a hard time believing that a group can claim standing in another organization when that organization has not given them the authority to initiate or function as an affiliate. Where would they get pins, membership certificates and other signs of official membership? I can claim to be a Kennedy all I want but if I don't have a birth certificate and the correct DNA, I'm not getting a piece of the Kennedy pie.

[33girl]

I think what Sen might mean is that they would have standing to sue the national by claiming they didn't do enough to eradicate the group presenting themselves as a chapter.

[formerccd]

At this particular school I do not know of an organization that has been kicked off campus in the last ten years and has quietly died. Three fraternity's and one sorority all continued to operate without recognition from the University or their organization. Part of the problem is the other Greek organizations continue to recognize them by having events with them because they often have (illegal) off campus houses (there is no Greek housing at Hartford). So people still want to join them because there is "status" involved. I am sure they do some sort of "ritual" but it is most likely their own version of the original chapters, not an actual part of it. The students are told over and over again these are not legitimate and the national organization does not recognize you, but 18-19 year old's seem to care more about the parties and being cool than that actual process of being Greek.

[AOII Angel]

That seems to be a problem with Risk Management at the Greek Affairs office and with the individual recognized groups. I know AOII would not be able to have a sanctioned event with a non-recognized organization. The fact that these chapters continue to socialize with these groups means that there is no one paying attention.

[Sen's Revenge]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I think what Sen might mean is that they would have standing to sue the national by claiming they didn't do enough to eradicate the group presenting themselves as a chapter.

Yes.