Parties invitation-only after alcohol problems
With rising problems of DUI’s and minors in possession of alcohol near and at their parties, the Greek community on campus has decided to close parties to the general public.
Instead, fraternities and sororities will hold private parties and keep a guest list of people who aren’t members of the Greek community who can attend.
Parties started to give each of the houses negative press, said Mike Ricci, a senior studying aerospace engineering and vice president of Sigma Chi. The parties gave a bad reputation to the Greek community, he said.
All of the houses were involved in making this decision, Ricci said, adding he is in favor of the ability to have parties but doesn’t like having them at the houses. The public will not be excluded from other events they were previously able to attend at the houses.
“We don’t want the Greek community to become exclusive,” Ricci said.
Ricci said the administration is happy with this decision, but they are a little nervous because the parties can be reopened to the public.
One solution discussed is to have a policeman at the door to make people think twice about drinking and driving, Ricci said.
Most of the problems that arise come from people who come to the parties, Ricci said. People drink alcohol before attending and come in drunk, making it look like alcohol is served at the party when it isn’t, Ricci said.
Lindsay Thacker, a senior studying English technical communications, said she thinks higher security can help. Thacker said giving wrist bands for those 21 and older and having sober drivers at the parties can help make a safer atmosphere, because private parties do allow alcohol.
“I support [the decision], because the parties we had before the Greek system did a great job, but the people who attended caused problems,” said Katie Bond, a sophomore studying theater education and a member of Kappa Delta.
Bond said it’s sad they have to turn away the public, but it’s a good idea for existing conditions.
Sigma Chi is the only fraternity able to have parties with their national standards. All of the others aren’t able to have parties, by national ruling. Bond said if Sigma Chi wants to subject themselves to throwing parties, it’s their choice.
Brandon Bowen, a junior studying communications, said he is against the change. He said he has been to one of the fraternity parties and didn’t remember any fights, drinking or problems.
“There’s already nothing to do in Logan, and I don’t think people should regulate weekend activities,” Bowen said.
Initially, when the reason for party closures was explained, people were satisfied and thought it was a good idea, Thacker said.
Ricci said changing to private parties will hopefully improve the Greek community’s reputation. Greek leaders are going to test some security measures to see if they work, Ricci said, and consider opening the parties back to the general public.
Ricci said the Greek community can find other ways to raise the money they would have made at parties.
-amysueh@cc.usu.edu