The University’s Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter has been placed on a two-year introspecetion period after a series of not so glamorous incidents. This past November, the fraternity was placed on interim suspension for about four months. Before the suspension a goat was discovered in the DKE house during an investigation. Besides having a barnyard animal in the house, the fraternity made another mistake. Chapter President Davis B. Courtney declined comment when approached about the story that printed in today’s edition of The Daily Reveille. Being open and honest is key when healing a wounded reputation. Courtney’s decision not to speak about DKE’s recent troubles does nothing to repair the damage to the chapter’s name. A vague statement such as “no comment” leads people to develop their own opinions of what really happened. Usually, those opinions can turn into rumors, which spell negative publicity for an organization like DKE. But now the fraternity is getting another shot thanks to the Office of the Dean of Students and Judicial Affairs.Like many other groups on campus, fraternities and sororities deal with stereotypes and misconceptions.
Though the recent developments with DKE do not ease those attitudes, the fraternity’s response to being on probation could go a long way in changing these stereotypes in the minds of non-Greek students.
If DKE can keep itself out of trouble for the next two years, then that feat would speak well for a fraternity that has undergone its share of rough times. The fraternity should do everything it can to show students that the chapter brings positive attention to the University.
DKE members should go the extra mile to participate in feel-good activities like fundraisers and philanthropies. Maybe instead of spending a Thursday night partying with another sorority, DKE should host some type of charity event.
Now is the time for DKEs to prove that the Greek community is good for more than big-time parties.
Take advantage of that second chance, especially since any party thrown in the DKE house is supposed to be alcohol-free according to introspection period guidelines.
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