Alums and alcohol in chapter houses

fantASTic · #1 09-10-2007, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

You don't bitch someone out in the rudest way possible who was simply trying to do something nice for someone, if they just didn't know the rules. Especially if the rules are pretty freaking ridiculous, antiquated and sexist to begin with.

I wouldn't be so sure that she didn't know the rules. If this was an NPC sorority, then it is common knowledge that no alcohol is allowed in the houses.

33girl · #2 09-10-2007, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantASTic

I wouldn't be so sure that she didn't know the rules. If this was an NPC sorority, then it is common knowledge that no alcohol is allowed in the houses.

No, it is not "common knowledge." The scenario in the original post was an older alumna. She has a 27-28 year old daughter, so I'm guessing she's at least 50 or pushing it fast. The alcohol rules were not as big of a deal back then, especially since many states still had an 18 or 19 year old drinking age. And even if they were in place when her daughter was in school, her daughter may have never thought to mention it to her. Not to mention, I have no idea of the school but they may not have HAD a house when mom or daughter was in school.

I mean, this wasn't a bunch of 18 year olds doing beer bongs in their underwear with fraternity guys watching. It was a group of almost-age-30 alumnae and a 50 year old alumna drinking probably a glass of wine each. In the summer, with nary a collegian around. In a closed house, with no non-sisters present. We have some people who are pretty anal on the use of alcohol, but I can't imagine even any of them going ballistic in this situation. Like I said, I'm guessing there was more involved than not following policies...it sounds like some inter-chapter politics that's been simmering and reared its head.

James · #3 09-10-2007, 12:36 AM

Plus it was summer . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

No, it is not "common knowledge." The scenario in the original post was an older alumna. She has a 27-28 year old daughter, so I'm guessing she's at least 50 or pushing it fast. The alcohol rules were not as big of a deal back then, especially since many states still had an 18 or 19 year old drinking age. And even if they were in place when her daughter was in school, her daughter may have never thought to mention it to her. Not to mention, I have no idea of the school but they may not have HAD a house when mom or daughter was in school.

I mean, this wasn't a bunch of 18 year olds doing beer bongs in their underwear with fraternity guys watching. It was a group of almost-age-30 alumnae and a 50 year old alumna drinking probably a glass of wine each. In the summer, with nary a collegian around. In a closed house, with no non-sisters present. We have some people who are pretty anal on the use of alcohol, but I can't imagine even any of them going ballistic in this situation. Like I said, I'm guessing there was more involved than not following policies...it sounds like some inter-chapter politics that's been simmering and reared its head.

33girl · #4 09-10-2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Plus it was summer . . .

JINX BUY ME A COKE.

James · #5 09-10-2007, 12:43 AM

If we can pour some rum in it and drink it at your sorority house . ..

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

JINX BUY ME A COKE.

33girl · #6 09-10-2007, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

If we can pour some rum in it and drink it at your sorority house . ..

I like this plan very much, especially since I'm off beer for a while. At least till the next Pirate game.

fantASTic · #7 09-10-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

No, it is not "common knowledge." The scenario in the original post was an older alumna. She has a 27-28 year old daughter, so I'm guessing she's at least 50 or pushing it fast. The alcohol rules were not as big of a deal back then, especially since many states still had an 18 or 19 year old drinking age. And even if they were in place when her daughter was in school, her daughter may have never thought to mention it to her. Not to mention, I have no idea of the school but they may not have HAD a house when mom or daughter was in school.

If she was as involved in the chapter as the OP indicates, then she should most definitely have known. Anyone highly involved in a chapter should be knowledgeable of the risk management and other things going on, especially something as forefront as that.

33girl · #8 09-11-2007, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantASTic

If she was as involved in the chapter as the OP indicates, then she should most definitely have known. Anyone highly involved in a chapter should be knowledgeable of the risk management and other things going on, especially something as forefront as that.

It sounds like her involvement was mostly from her checkbook, rather than working with the chapter during rush week and things like that. If you're not there day to day, and it wasn't an issue when you or your child was in school...honestly, you really aren't going to think about it.

I'm not saying she should be excused from knowing the rules, but I don't think she purposely flouted them in a "I can do whatever I want, I pay the bills" sort of way - it seems like an honest mistake. As opposed to the guy SAEAlumnus mentions who thinks that writing the checks entitles him to push the fraternity to do things they shouldn't be doing.

Obviously this is all speculation, as we don't know the people involved or whatever their personal feelings/agendas may be.