Phi Kappa Psi at U of Virginia Voluntarily Suspends Activities

[1964Alum]

Kevin, I did not mean or even imply that the description of the truly craven behavior of the fraternity men described in the RS article applies to all fraternities or all men within any given fraternity. What I AM saying is that the public perception of MANY -and even before the RS article- is that the fraternities are characterized by heavy drinking, sex-obsessed young men. And to change that perception, fraternity men on campuses will need to take a very firm and consistent stand that they in no manner defend or support that kind of behavior. What can you do? Enthusiastically sign on to things like the blue armband bystander programs which are developing on college campuses. Form escort groups to see young women safely home to their residences. And many more affirmative programs that I'm sure you all can develop.

As part of the non-aired emergency meeting at UVA held with its Board of Visitors, Administrators, and student leaders, the IFC President said (paraphrased) that as much as it hurts him to acknowledge it, rape is a serious problem within the UVA fraternities.

Candor and a courageous acknowledgement of the reality of the problem is what parents, alumni, students, and community members are looking for. And constructive steps to deal with it. Looking for those very rare instances of false rape reports or other attempts to minimize a very serious problem are not being seen at all favorably. Wrong focus for now!

I was very surprised to see that Sigma Nu is no longer on my undergraduate college campus. Sigma Nu was always a very solid chapter and remained so when I took our youngest to look at the music department there. One of its members drove us around and escorted us to the buildings we needed to go to. A complete gentleman.

I just hate seeing what is going on now in what were once very respected fraternities!