Letters
February 23, 2005
Dear Ms. Chopp,
We have your letter of recent date. Be assured that I (as well as all Colgate graduates) am interested in quality education and preparing our undergraduates for the challenges of the real world. No one can seriously find fault with the accomplishments of Colgate and many of your visions for the future.
I am disappointed however, in your discussion (a very brief discussion I might add) of the problem of Greek letter houses not only at Colgate but also throughout the Country. Your four-page letter (which was triggered I think by the efforts of Colgate DKE’s to protect what is theirs), indicates a lack of understanding of the attitude of the DKE’s, and a failure to appreciate some very basic concepts. First of all it is well known in academia that the Greek system is under attack from liberal administrators and faculty who want to eliminate it, and at the same time look fair in the process.
One of the fundamental concepts in any democracy is the right to own real property. This seems to have been lost in the negotiations. If indeed the school wants to take over the property, at the very least we can expect is a fair offer and this not only pertains to price, but to all the provisions of the sale. The right to control/eliminate a fraternity gives the university absolute discretion to continue or eliminate a Greek house. You can understand the DKE’s reluctance to “go along” when their very existence is threatened by actions they deem to be hostile.
Colgate can start with a fair offer to purchase, and give DKE some assurances (as part of the deal) that the fraternity will not be controlled, supervised, manipulated or eliminated by an antagonistic administration.
I view Greek houses as a vital part of our educational process. Maybe there is room for an overhaul (and certainly disciplinary action is always in order in certain situations), but to be the target for extinction by liberal administrations (who don’t like the Greek system) is hardly the American way. Friendships formed in fraternities/sororities are lifetime bonds. Much good is promoted by Greek societies, including (but not limited to) scholarship assistance, employment assistance and personal involvement with schools, alumni and other Greek houses. My own experience with fraternity life has been good. It has been a positive force in my development as a responsible adult, and I have nothing but good memories of my Greek experience.
To alienate the Greek houses at Colgate and other schools is a serious mistake—(not to mention a bad lesson in civics and Americanism) treat the DKE’s fairly and they will respond in kind.
W. J. Pashley, Jr. ’55 DKE