To many, joining the greek community is a means of gaining social status. And although I do not argue that some may enlist the community’s services for this very purpose, all our organizations implore and prepare us – as greeks and as young men and women – to make a contribution to our university and our larger community.

Some still hold the stereotype that being greek is about exclusion, cronyism or general hooliganism. However, many members of the greek community become actively involved in various facets of our university. Even so, many of us, as greeks, fail to uphold the charge with which we have been given.

The instances in which one individual might bring about great change in the world might be rare, and those in which one might affect his or her university are still few, the actions of many individuals – working toward the same end – can improve our university.

The Government of the Student Body formed the Principles Commission in response to messages of hate and bias that appeared on our campus this past summer. The committee was charged with the responsibility of drafting a clear and coherent “statement of community principles.”

My fellow committee members and I envision a list of principles that will foster open, honest and respectful dialogue on all viewpoints. When the final draft is completed, it will be submitted to various administrative, faculty and student organizations within Iowa State to be incorporated into everyday university life.

As a fraternity man, I ask my fellow greeks to contribute their ideas and opinions on the current draft of the principles of community. A draft of the principles can be accessed at http://www.gsb.iastate.edu/aboutgsb/committees/principles/ or through the Facebook group, “The Principles of Community.”

Phillip Sherman

Junior

Economics