By ALLISON RUWALDT
Students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University seem to be split on their opinions of fraternities and sororities across America.
While some students feel strongly about things like their party culture and hazing incidents, others are indifferent. As these things have been a part of Greek life for what feels like centuries, and there have been new laws put in place, some students see it as something that just comes with the title.
“I feel like it’s been toned down,” said Lance Fish, a sophomore at NWOSU. “I don’t hear much about frats.”
Although a handful of people agree, others feel that frats and sororities often take things too far. Students say that for many joining these houses, it is their first time living on their own, so they should be under more care and supervision.
“ I do think frats and sororities go too far with certain things, since this is the first time most teens are stepping away to live away from their parents,” said Andrea Rosas, who is a junior at NWOSU. “ They are not aware of what they will really be stepping into.”
Students feel that there is not enough control or supervision in frat and sorority houses. Because the students who are a part of these groups are usually between 18 and 22, and it is their first taste of freedom, and they tend to party intensely. While this does not have to be a bad thing, many students on campus feel that it has become something extreme that should be limited.
“I don’t think they have guidelines; I think they need an adult that can help direct them,” said Savannah Mingus, a student at NWOSU.
Mingus also brought up how she believes sororities can often set unrealistic expectations. She mentioned that seeing members constantly buy new outfits and show off the expenses for their formals can be harmful.
Many students feel the organization does more to separate people than bring them together. While the original intention of the groups was to ensure community, students feel now that they are more divisive. Because opposing groups typically do not get along, students not involved in Greek life often feel disconnected from those who are.
“I think that frats and sororities have gone too far. I feel like their purpose was to get people to connect and have relationships that can help them after college,” said Lexi Keply, a grad student at NWOSU. “And they kinda go beyond that now with parties and dangerous hazing activities.”
NWOSU does have one sorority, Delta Zeta, but it does not have any form of fraternity. Students spoke highly of those involved in the on-campus sorority and cited it as a good example of positive Greek life.
“ I know personally, after talking to other sorority members and leaders in the sorority about it, that the hazing and everything has gone way too far,” said Cortnie Dennis-Wilfinger, a senior at NWOSU and member of Delta Zeta. “We do anti-haze week and stuff, and it’s notion-wide, but it’s still so hard to stop it in other places.”
While sororities and fraternities are gaining a bad reputation, there are still many who believe good can and has come from them as long as rules are implemented and respected.