Other small liberal arts colleges have faced the fraternity issue and handled it well. Williams, Colby, Hamilton and, most recently, Amherst weaned themselves from the Greek system and provided alternative social structures on campuses located in rural areas. Other Ivy League colleges have fraternities, but the percentage of students who belong is much smaller than Dartmouth's and shrinking each year. But Dartmouth has clung to its Greek system. Alumni, the backbone of the annual giving campaign, calmed down only when they learned a five-year review would be undertaken before determining the future of the Greek system.
Fraternities are the antithesis of inclusiveness.
Dartmouth needs to take a deep breath and follow the lead of other colleges. As one professor put it, the school does not need a reform but a revolution. The wisest course would be to get rid of the Greek system and replace it with a campus atmosphere that welcomes all students. Build your own PC and shop for hardware Monitor Classifieds Use AdHound for e-mail delivery of classified ads.