Back to basics

Trend of fraternities becoming alcohol-free a positive step

It's time to get back to brotherhood.

That's what national leaders of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity said last week after announcing that the fraternity would eliminate alcohol in its chapter houses in the year 2000.

"Our founders stressed teaching responsibility in scholarship, brotherhood, personal conduct, and leadership in the university and the community. In order for our undergraduate members to accomplish these objectives and reach their full potential, we believe an environment free from alcohol and unlawful drugs is imperative," said Peter J. Nichols, president Phi Kappa Sigma's national chapter on the national chapter's World Wide Web site.

Refocusing on an original intent is a wise decision for this and other fraternities that have chosen to eliminate the distraction alcohol can create.

"These national fraternities are to be commended for taking such proactive steps to return to their groups' roots. "

Even though Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity may not have any problems with alcohol because it is consumed responsibly by people of legal age, as Kevin Dager, president of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, 234 E. Beaver Ave., has said, there are still risks that must be considered.

Liabilities created by the possible irresponsible use of alcohol, which ultimately raises the cost of insurance for fraternities, outweigh the social aspects of drinking, some national chapters have decided.

When Massachusetts Institute of Technology student and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity member Scott Krueger died after an alcohol-induced coma last November, even more attention was called to the dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol.

Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu and most recently Phi Kappa Sigma national fraternities have all decided in the past year to eliminate alcohol in their houses by 2000.

These national fraternities are to be commended for taking such proactive steps to return to their groups' roots.

And, even though their national chapter may not have mandated it, the University's chapter of Theta Xi fraternity stepped up last semester and voted to become substance-free on its own, another positive move by a member of the fraternity system.

Considering the health and safety risks that are posed if alcohol is consumed irresponsibly, fraternities should be rewarded for taking steps that prevent that situation from even arising.

The University and the Interfraternity Council should recognize the efforts of national fraternities that have decided to eliminate alcohol from their chapter houses.

Especially, attention and encouragement should be given to local chapters that consider making the decision to eliminate alcohol on their own.