Has the tradition of Legacies outgrown its usefulness?

[aephi alum]

The idea of legacies getting some extra consideration is still a good one.

As I understand it, most NPC sororities' legacy rules call for legacies to be automatically invited back to the second round of parties during formal rush. After that, they can be released, but the chapter must be able to justify it (and some NPC sororities set that bar very high). If they get to pref, they're pretty much guaranteed a bid if they want it.

I don't see a problem with the automatic invite to round 2; it gives the sorority members and the legacy a second chance to meet each other, and maybe they will "click" if they didn't during round 1.

I do believe it should be easier to release someone who is obviously not a good fit after that point; it shouldn't be as silly a reason as "well, her socks didn't match" but you shouldn't have to present proof that she has a criminal record or anything.

As far as legacies at pref automatically going on the first bid list, I disagree if it means that a lot of great non-legacies get crowded out because the number of legacies is close to or greater than quota. But if there are only a few legacies relative to quota, the legacies should go on the first list.

For non-NPC sororities and fraternities, I don't really know enough about the rush/intake process to comment, except to say that I don't like the idea of legacies being guaranteed bids (a la Kent Dorfman) - just because your dad was an XYZ at University A 25 years ago, doesn't mean you're a good fit with XYZ at University B now.