To the Editor:

The alcohol-related death of Matthew Garofalo from the University of Iowa is indeed a tragic occurrence. However, I feel the public’s views have been turned in the wrong direction in its aftermath.

The general feeling of most articles published in this case have shed a very negative light on the greek system. Alcohol has now been banned from fraternities at Iowa and ISU’s administration is now checking into a similar plan here. I think the public needs a little enlightenment on this issue. Call it a reality check.

Peter Nathan was quoted in an article in Monday’s Daily as saying, “What you have at a fraternity is a culture that focuses on alcohol consumption as a tangible measure of maturity.” Really? How about the fact that fraternities offer an environment where academic achievement is nourished and accentuated? Note the fact that the greek men’s GPA is normally higher than the all-men’s average. Most fraternities have mandatory study hours and many offer scholarship programs and tutoring services for their members.

Or the concept of a diverse group of individuals all working together towards a common goal, gaining leadership skills and learning responsibility? Fraternities are self-run organizations. That is, the members are responsible for all activities and maintenance of their chapter houses.

The truth in the matter of drinking at fraternities is this: most members look out for one another. A person who is severely intoxicated is a lot safer at a fraternity because there are other people around to check on them. If you get plastered in a dorm you can crawl to your room, lock the door and no one will ever know the difference.

Underage people will drink if they want to, no matter where they are. Isn’t it better to have a minor drink “at home” rather than driving or even walking from their dorms to a party or something?

As far as the ban on alcohol at fraternity parties goes, here’s another interesting bit that might shed some light on the matter: most fraternity parties are B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beer, for those who don’t know), so are the fraternities really at fault for people getting drunk at a party? I didn’t think so. The house(s) hosting the party aren’t supplying alcohol to everyone, in fact, we’re required to provide alternative food and beverages for the non-drinking patrons.

Garofalo’s accident is unfortunate, but is it really a “fraternity thing?” The bare fact is that it did happen in a fraternity this time, I seriously doubt that he is the first victim of an alcohol-related incident at one of our state’s universities, and I don’t think it’s right that it has been used to fuel some of the anti-greek feelings and stereotypes that are already so prominent.

If alcohol is banned from fraternities at any school, it’s only fair that it be banned from all housing under university jurisdiction. This would undoubtedly cause a decrease in housing revenue. Would the university be able to absorb the financial impact of installing a dry campus policy?

If a student got drunk at a bar and then suffered the same consequences as the student at Iowa, would there be an inquiry into shutting down the bars?

Chris Betten

Junior

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