Iowa State’s InterFraternity Council is considering whether a moratorium on alcohol at University of Iowa fraternities could affect alcohol policies here.

Jamie Smith, IFC president, said right now IFC is trying to be “really careful not to be reactionary,” but rather review and determine what is best for the ISU greek system.

“We will be making a decision but not anytime soon,” he said. “However, it will be made in our best interests. We are working with the administration right now. I want to stress the importance that we are looking over our policies.”

Smith said Iowa’s decision to impose a moratorium was not a bad choice.

“I think if it’s what’s best for them, then that is good,” he said.

Smith said he doesn’t think a moratorium will solve all alcohol-related problems, but it does give the university and greek system a chance to think over the death of Matthew Patrick Garofalo, 19, who died after a night of binge drinking.

“I just think they are at a very delicate time right now and [the moratorium] will help them find some answers,” he said.

Some have speculated that Garofalo, a pledge, had been hazed by fellow Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity members.

“I don’t have all the facts with the case in Iowa,” Smith said. “[At ISU] we look at and we reflect on the university’s [hazing] rules. It’s strictly interpreted. In most cases it’s put in the university’s hands to decide what will happen.”

Tom Thielen, vice president for student affairs, said last week that there will be pressure for ISU to impose a similar moratorium. Smith said Thielen is approaching the situation with caution.

“I think Tom is operating from a point of realism,” he said.

When publicity about a death in a fraternity shows up in the media, Smith said greek systems are inevitably portrayed in a negative light.

“We’re very easily stereotyped and generalized. We’re seen in one light,” he said. “There is a lot of diversity. In [several] cases, houses do deserve to be publicized in a good light.”

“It’s difficult to get [good] publicity. We’re always struggling with the ‘Animal House’ image,” Smith added. “We are not in an environment within itself. We are a reflection of the ISU environment.”