Sororities reexamining their role on campus

A letter to the editor portrayed the sorority system as "cloistering" and detrimental to the women's movement and stirred emotions among the hundreds of sorority members on campus. And while one of the authors, College junior Anne Roma, said the letter has been misconstrued, it has sparked debate among sorority members over the purpose of their organizations. The letter, co-authored by Wharton junior Lisa Garmaise, stated that the sorority system "is a constant reminder of our secondary place to men in society" and "promotes and encourages the inferior image of women." Specifically, the two women objected to by-laws that restrict men and ban alcohol in sorority houses. "Initially it threw a lot of people," said Alpha Chi Omega President Julie Song, a College senior. "Being in a sorority is a great thing for women's issues." Roma, who is also an A Chi O sister, said she didn't join a sorority just for the social aspects, but feels the rules governing sororities put fraternities in a dominating social position. "Fraternities have too much control of what the social scene is at Penn," she said. "The Greek system is a major part of social life. Sororities cannot provide entertainment for themselves, so [rules] force them to go to fraternities." The debate is growing at the same time the eight Panhellenic sororities saw a 10 percent decline this year in the number of women who registered for spring rush. Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority affairs, said that 604 women had signed up after the final rush meeting Sunday, down from approximately 670 students last year. But Panhel President Maureen Hernandez said there was no major reason behind the drop. Roma said she does not feel women will gain equal status with men through alcohol use, but she thinks the current rules concerning men and alcohol in sorority houses are unjust. According to Hernandez, men are restricted in sorority houses for safety concerns. Alcohol rules exist because 80 percent of sorority members are under the legal drinking age. Both rules are national sorority regulations. "With the fraternities moving toward a more restrictive alcohol policy, knowing the risk involved, I don't understand why anyone would advocate changing our policy," she said. Roma said she understands the liability concerns, but wishes sisters over 21 were allowed to drink in the sorority house or could watch a movie in their room with a male friend. "It has come to the attention of all sororities and we are discussing how everyone feels," she said. "I think a lot of people agree with me but don't say it." In a meeting last week, sorority members discussed the different attitudes members have about the system, and how to react to campus and women's issues. "Some members are concerned [Panhel] is turning into a feminist organization instead of an umbrella organization," Hernandez said. "I consider it an organization for women that advocates women's issues." Phaup called the meeting a "very healthy discussion on feminism and the role of women in society." "Women are grappling with the terminology of what feminism is," she added. Hernandez said she expects the debate to continue, adding that she thinks the issue will be a major one in Panhel elections next week. She said next semester, sororities will hold a series examining the different avenues for female empowerment. (CUT LINE) Please see SORORITIES, page 2 SORORITIES, from page 1

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