[watwut]

Interesting aspect of this is that in Stanford survey, overwhelming majority of students (83%) want to see Greek life reformed, de-housed, or abolished. This is not administrators against students in general issue. This is administration doing moves that are broadly supported by majority of students.

[Zak]

I was wondering about the other side of this issue. Thanks for providing a glimpse of it.

Reformed, de-housed, and abolished are very different. "Reformed" in particular could encompass a wide range of measures which don't necessarily involve heavily policing student organizations.

[watwut]

Yes they are much different. Here are two articles about survey (they are similar but contain bit different details). What I remember in addition is that the longer student was on campus, the less favorably he/she looks at Greek life.

- https://stanforddaily.com/2021/09/28/official-greek-life-sur...

- https://stanforddaily.com/2021/11/04/abolish-stanford-greek-...

The unhousing is actually pretty big thing and closer to abolishing then anything else. It would put greeks to more similar position as ordinary clubs. The ability to have the same house consistently is one of big advantages these organizations have against other students group. Other students had to draw where they will be with no consistency. (There are plans for reforms to allow other students being able to keep same neighborhood across years too. So that might change next years. )

The buildings assigned to greeks are in highly desirable area and have features other buildings don't. And obviously, access to that is controlled by these student groups. And obviously to keep living there you have to follow rules - like for example participate on set amount of social activities weekly, paying membership, buying stuff, wearing right cloth to fit attractiveness criteria (this is more for girls) etc. If you fail to visit pre determined amount of parties, you can't stay or have to pay fine or whatever.

----------------

These groups social life is not infinitely free and spontaneous, they have their own pressures (freedom to not party for two months not necessary being available to members). Including systematic wrong incentives. Standford favors greeks that have national affiliation and that comes with more rules. Most absurdly, for sororities, they can't host parties with alcohol to keep insurance cheaper. Making them dependent on fraternities for partying. Can't make own party with own rules, have to look and act in a way that will make fraternity want you in theirs. Which is mind boggling setup.

I mean the above is concern of the group primary. But in terms of unrestricted freedom and experimentation, they don't actually have that.