Hidden behind the hollow rhetoric of "insurance costs" or "classiness," Panhellenic Council sororities on our campus disallow the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages - even for those that would ordinarily be allowed to drink in their own homes.
While we understand the considerable advantages to maintaining a living unit with prohibition-era policies, the policies seem rather archaic when there is a mindset at modern universities that people feel entitled to exercising their rights when they are 21, and that men and women should be entitled to equal treatment.
What is the harm in allowing 21 year olds to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages in their house, provided they do not break any other rules associated with the chapter? All too often, Panhellenic chapters hide behind the reasoning of the "higher ups," when ultimately undergraduates dictate the policies of their chapters. If not, under whose dictatorial rule do the chapters fall? It seems clear there is some level of agency for chapters even if it would mean that insurance premiums rise slightly, and that having the discussion is a worthwhile use of our time.
There are few disadvantages, namely, the mess, restricting "partying" and enacting strict standards of use would more than make up for the risk that the policies would wreck havoc on study habits, make a mess of common areas or lead to a moral breakdown of the rule of law in the chapter. At the very least, shouldn't this issue be on the table for sororities' democratic processes?
Beyond the advantage of freedom, there abound significant advantages to allowing drinking in sorority houses. As it is now, women are forced to drink on the "turf" of men, particularly in the fraternity houses, even if they want a relaxed night with a simple glass of wine.
Moreover, allowing a safe space for casual alcohol consumption would help "level the playing field" and give the Panhellenic women of DePauw recourse against the institutions that currently control the "alcohol" on campus.
By offering men and women the choice of accessing a friendly drink in any greek living unit, a more genial and dynamic bond would be formed among all students. The desire to drink in obscure locations would no longer be necessary and the significant risks associated with heavy pre-gaming could be mitigated.
This new setting could bring together both greek and independent men and women in a safe and controlled environment.
On the other side of the coin, allowing equal access to alcohol in all campus living units would raise awareness for those who have the burden of hosting parties as the policies exist now, as the mess involved with alcohol would be shared by all students that decide to partake. Things like cost, the burden of parties spontaneously erupting while people are trying to sleep and caring for sick guests would all be helped by equal access.
We pride ourselves on our exceptional ability to socialize; however we ignore a brilliant social opportunity. Let's take a stand against inequality and level the playing field for all at DePauw. Demand of the "higher ups" that all students be treated equally.
- Kirkpatrick is a senior from Overland Park, Kan., majoring in political science. Burns is senior from West Lafayette, Ind., majoring in political science.