Many first-years think the “no first-years allowed on Greek property rule” is unjust for a variety of reasons. I believe it is unjust because there are consequences for first-year girls and not first-year guys. This is due to the fact that recruitment for girls in much more intense than it is for guys. First-year girls can be banned from recruitment if they are seen at a fraternity before mid-October, whereas guys can go to fraternities before mid-October and no one will ban them.
The official rule is first-years are not allowed in fraternity or sorority houses, or campus owned houses in which 50% or more of the occupants are affiliated until mid-October.
It is perceived to be unfair because first-years would rather go to parties hosted at fraternities rather than go dorm storming. This is because dorm storming is not enjoyable and the chances of getting written up by a residential assistant are incredibly high. I feel it is just because it keeps the first-years safer since it gives them a chance to learn their limits without making the fraternity houses liable for their mistakes. Also, the rule is a good idea and well intended because it attempts to help us first-years bond as a class.
However, the rule is not well enforced. It’s unfair that it seems there are only consequences for girls. But of course, the first-year guys don’t follow the rule because their punishment is nonexistent. This contradicts part of the rule’s purpose, which is to allow the first-year class to get to know each other. This is not the case if first-year guys can go to fraternities, while first-year girls have to stay in the dorms. The reason I find the rule to be unfair, is the first-year guys are not being held to the same accountability as the first-year girls.
If Depauw University wants to maintain its progressive and open-minded reputation, it can do so by enforcing the rule equally.
