By: Atharava Pandey

Editor-in-Chief

Fraternities, otherwise known as frats, are social communities found at numerous  colleges and universities, dating to the late 18th century. For generations, American society has promoted these groups as a cornerstone of the college experience. After all, they offer some benefits, such as providing a source of friendships, professional connections, and a sense of belonging. However, these advantages are outweighed by a system that promotes dangerous drinking, an unhealthy social environment, and exclusion. Colleges should shift away from fraternities and invest in safer, more inclusive organizations that offer students the same benefits, without the drawbacks.

One of the most prominent issues with fraternities is their glamorization of the college drinking culture. Admittedly, alcohol has been affiliated with the college experience, but these organizations create an environment in which excessive alcohol consumption becomes correlated with social status and group acceptance. Studies show that while 28% of college students engaged in binge drinking in 2018, a staggering 86% of fraternity members admitted to regular binge drinking in that same time frame. It is important to keep in mind that the legal age for drinking in the United States is 21, which means most college students who drink are underage. Overall, these organizations have helped normalize a culture in which excessive, underage drinking has become expected. 

Fraternities can also create an environment where more serious problems arise. Many repeatedly face scrutiny over sexual misconduct on campus. Alcohol combined with social pressure and unequal power dynamics make students increasingly vulnerable to dangerous situations. According to Professor Jennifer Freyd at the University of Oregon, “Colleges are hotbeds of heavy binge drinking, access to unsupervised parties, and inexperienced young people, all factors that contribute to sexual assault. But if a college did take away its frats, [I] would expect the number of sexual assaults to drop.” While eliminating frats doesn’t stop sexual assault, colleges should consider whether these organizations should be allowed to operate freely with little to no oversight.

Frats also reinforce exclusivity, as membership is often selective, requires substantial fees, and can determine access to the largest social events on campus. Students who can’t afford membership or are simply not well-liked by the highest-ranking members can be excluded from making social connections. Colleges should encourage students from different backgrounds to interact with each other rather than supporting social structures that keep them divided. 

The question is not whether these groups can accomplish something positive. In fact, many engage in philanthropy and service projects and genuinely connect students with alumni who can provide professional opportunities. The question is whether these benefits are enough to outweigh the system’s problems. While friendship, networking, and community are essential parts of a college campus, fraternities do not have to be.

(Sources: Bicycle Health, NPR)