The tragic death of Maxwell Gruver last month shines a light on a darkness that has enveloped and plagued this University for many years. It also calls on us to reexamine the role of Greek fraternities and sororities on our campus and community.
Greek Life’s No. 1 goal should be its commitment to community. Each Greek organization needs to be measured by its good works and not how well it can party. Unfortunately, too many students are joining for just that — a party.
The drinking culture on college campuses is prevalent and almost endemic in Greek Life. There is heavy drinking on game days during tailgates, at parties and nearby clubs. Freshman students probably expect this when they arrive on campus. I would love to say that this isn’t normal, but it is.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 80 percent of college students consume some type of alcohol. Half of those students binge drink, which means five drinks for men and four drinks for women, within a two-hour time span.
When I joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I didn’t join to party, meet women or because I thought it was cool. I joined because I have a passion for service, community and brotherhood. This past year alone, we earned over 400 hours of community service. And so far, I’ve managed to have a good time with my brothers without getting blackout drunk, and I will continue to do so.
For me, it’s a few simple questions. What good does this do me? What career will this drink produce? What kind of future can I secure for myself and my eventual family? And for the business and related majors, you can ask yourself what is your return on investment for the drink in your hand. All of the answers are similar: little to nothing.
I also think about the people who helped me get where I am today. My family and the state of Louisiana, through TOPS, didn’t send me here to simply waste nearly $20,000 for four years. They sent me here so that I could grow to become a more active, engaged and productive citizen. I fully recognize the value of this.
You have to have an actual appreciation for your spot at this University. If you don’t, you won’t value it. For every student here, there is at least one who has been completely priced out of a quality education. In countries all across the Middle East, millions of children are denied access to a basic education. Some children in those countries have been willing to die for the ability to learn, and you’re ready to drink it away every Saturday night.
Members of Greek organizations must re-purpose themselves around what they do for their University and the Greater Baton Rouge community. Everyone, not just Greek Life, must look into the mirror and ask themselves if binge drinking is worth it. And all students need to foster a greater appreciation for what is denied to so many others.
This culture must change, and I have faith that it will. But it will require all of us working toward that goal together. Are you with me?
Frederick Bell
LSU Student Government Senator