Thanks to the Collegian, we all know fraternities for the drug-infested rape pits they are, right? But wait a second. . . maybe they are worth another look.

Why is it the Greek system is the only student organization that donates millions of dollars annually to various national charities?

The first thing some people think when they hear the word fraternity is rape. Although reliable statistics are hard to find, I am willing to bet the majority of sexual assaults occur in dorms and apartment buildings, not fraternities.

Only fraternities have several mandatory rape and alcohol awareness programs that every new member must attend. These programs are not something we do because the administration or state forced us, but something fraternities as a group voted to do. Due to a wonderful amount of sensationalism in the media, sexual assaults at a fraternity, rare as it may be, are more highly publicized than one in any other setting (except possibly Senator Packwood's office).

Another image of fraternities that comes to mind for some people is Animal House. While fraternities may have had parties like this in the past, the stereotype is simply not true anymore. I have never been to a dorm or apartment party where there was a guest list at the door, a person checking identifications and random patrols by an Interfraternity Council house-checking team to make sure no rules or laws are being broken. I have also never seen an Escort Service sign posted at an independent party, yet I have seen at least one at every fraternity party I ever attended.

Independents simply can not and will not patrol their parties as well as fraternties do, and yet I am confident that fraterntiy parties are still much better due to live bands, bigger partying areas, more people and better planning.

Another misconception that constantly amazes me is the idea that it is much too expensive to live in a fraternity or that you need to be a rich just to get an invitation to join. Both of these are simply untrue. The house bill for my fraternity is at least $100 less than living in the dorms, and it is a much better living environment. We have a cook and 24 hour access to a fully stocked kitchen.

Every member of my fraternity has his own room, the majority of which are larger than the average dorm room. Many fraternities, like my own, have a computer room available for use 24 hours a day. Conspicuously absent from the fraternity is a Univeristy selected resident assistant telling you what you can and cannot do in the privacy of your room.

Many of my fraternity brothers work all year just to pay for school. Also, many fraternities have scholarship funds for undergraduate brothers based on qualities such as need, leadership and scholarship. My own fraternity gives out money nationally each year.

The fraternity experience is certainly worth a closer look than what the mass media will offer you. The friendship, brotherhood, experince, contacts, social life, athletics and living amenities are only a few of the many great attributes of Greek life that by far outweigh the few negative ones. In short, don't believe the hype, find out for yourself.