Colgate gets the Greeks in line

University Business, June, 2005

Drinking, hazing, fighting--these and other troubles are often synonymous with the word "fraternity." Colgate University (N.Y.), has come up with what some think is an extreme solution to some of the problems the Greek system brings to campus. The university is buying up campus frat houses. This costly and sometimes contentious effort came at the recommendation of a task force on campus culture, which was formed after an off-campus car accident in 2000 Left four students dead and the driver in jail for vehicular manslaughter. It was found that the driver had been drinking at a frat house party.

Based on the task force's recommendation, Colgate's trustees decided that beginning in fall 2005, all students would Live in university-owned housing. By exercising more control over the residences, the university hopes to cut down on hazing, sexual assaults and other incidents. Residential advisors will likely live in these houses and monitor activities, much as they do in other residence halls. Members of those Greek organizations, though, will be able to continue Living in these houses. A reported 40 percent of Colgate's 2,750 students belong to a fraternity or sorority.

Colgate plans to spend up to $5 million to purchase the houses, according to Treasurer David Hale. To date, five frats and two sororities have agreed to Colgate's purchasing terms.

But the plan has caught flak from-some disgruntled alumni. Charles "Tim" Sanford, a graduate from the class of 1958, has formed "Freedom Matters, Students and Alumni for Colgate." In addition to maintaining a website (www. sa4c.com), a blog and e-mail alerts, the group has organized protests and has reportedly hired a political consultant to help with its campaign. Sanford and supporters argue that Colgate is pushing the Greek culture off campus and limiting student freedom. One speaker at a recent rally characterized Colgate's plan as a "blatant land grab."

One fraternity, Delta Kappa Epsilon, has refused to sell its property and has brought legal action.

The university denies that this is an opportunistic move. "Everyone agreed that something had to be done," says James Leach, vice president for communications. "Things could not go on status quo."