Sigma Chi - University of Michigan

University of Michigan page 5 I n many parts of the country, college students returned to campuses this fall to an environment that was way different from what they had left in the spring. Social distancing, mask wearing, and Zoom classes and meetings are just a few of the new normals that students have adjusted to. Along with the pandemic, there has been another unwelcome movement related to Greek life that some of you may have heard about in recent months. As Sigma Chi alumni, we can attest that Greek life is a crucial component at Michigan and colleges nationwide. The Abolish Greek Life movement has tried to take that valuable experience away on several college campuses, driven largely by former sorority members who have posted various negative claims on social media. Their posts have primarily targeted fraternity men with sexual assault accusations and Greek chapters about not being inclusive when it comes to diversity and equity during recruitment. What the Abolish Greek Life movement proponents fail to realize is that many fraternities were founded on the ideals of empowering young men to fight issues such as sexual assault and inequalities. Take Sigma Chi for example. We are committed to developing values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community. "I know that fraternity men need to be at the table. They need to be a part of the solutions to sexual misconduct and diversity, equity, and inclusion," North American Interfraternity Council CEO and President Judson Horras said during a webinar hosted by Pennington & Company in August. "We know that, so let's get them to the table. Let's not focus on fighting Abolish Greek Life or try to please a group of people that doesn't want us to exist. Calling to abolish fraternities and sororities may calm a few people's unrest, but it's not going to fix these issues." Horras added, "These issues are in society. It's going to polarize your campus and allow hate and intolerance to build and grow stronger. Less than a handful of fraternities have succumbed to this pressure. Let's not make the movement bigger than it needs to be. It is certainly not about abolishing Greek life. It's about dealing with these issues. Our research shows that fraternity men are more comfortable to have these conversations than non-fraternity, and that tactics and bullying divide. We can't let them win." At Theta Theta, we have more important things to worry about than the Abolish Greek Life movement. The health and safety of our undergraduate brothers is paramount right now as we push forward together during the pandemic. One of the challenges COVID-19 created for Theta Theta was how to handle recruitment this winter. The IFC at UM has determined that all council supported recruitment events will be hosted virtually. Individual chapters may choose to host 'invite only' in person events which must be consistent with all relevant public health practices and University COVID-19 policies. "With all of the organizations I have talked to, the summer recruiting chapters, there are many that have been equally as successful as previous years. I was just on the phone recently with a chapter at the University of Texas. They had 42 new members and were on their way to 60," Horras said. "They did it virtually over Zoom. It was the same story with a chapter at the University of Arizona. I've heard similar stories from my alma mater, Iowa State. I keep telling everyone that with this year's challenges, it's all about attitude. It's not actual road barriers to recruitment; it's all about the attitude of the chapter and embracing it." Whether it be financial struggles because of the suffering economy, having a personal experience with or knowing someone who has contracted COVID-19, or having the typical college experience taken away from them, the mental health of Theta Theta's collegians has been put to the test like never before. We've all been fortunate to have Sigma Chi brothers by our side during our highest of highs and lowest of lows. Having fraternity brothers to lean on for support has never been more important for college students and alumni alike. Let's make sure we're doing our part to advocate for the Greek life experience so that young men at Theta Theta can thrive in all of their endeavors. WHY GREEK LIFE REMAINS IMPORTANT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES How Fraternities Are Addressing the Abolish Greek Life Movement, COVID-19, and Other New Challenges

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