Swarthmore College To No Longer Allow Fraternities, Sororities
SWARTHMORE, Pa. (CBS) – No more Greek life. Swarthmore College has officially banned all fraternities and sororities.
The decision comes after disturbing fraternity documents came to light, sparking student protests.
There was a contentious sit-in turned walk out, and another plea through song. Following the leaked meeting minutes of one of two campus fraternities, which showcased the use of racist, anti-LGBTQ and harmful rape language, enraged student activists have won over officials.
While the two fraternities, Phi Psi and Delta Upsilon, voted to disband, one week later, the college has now decided to end Greek life altogether.
In a statement, college President Valerie Smith wrote:
"Exclusive, dues-paying social organizations no longer effectively meet the needs of our residential liberal arts environment."
Swarthmore College Students Hold Sit-In To Demand Permanent Ban Of 2 Fraternities
"We just thought that the administration wasn't going to budge, because it didn't' really seem like they cared," one student said.
At the center of the controversy was a non-residential Swarthmore fraternity house. Signs from protesting students covered what was dubbed in the exposed meeting minutes as the "rape attic."
Eyewitness News asked students about how they feel about the shutting down of the sole Swarthmore sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, despite their non-involvement with the offensive meeting minutes.
"While the sorority had no part in it, I still think they are a bit problematic, as well," one student said.
That sorority can continue with current members until 2022, but it cannot initiate any new ones.
