Council looks to move on after confrontation with University
"The logic behind removing Greek exemption is flawed," Bierbryer said. "If the University builds or purchases more housing, that same argument could be used for mandatory junior and senior housing. We need to make sure we take care of this now before it becomes a bigger issue," Bierbryer added.
When asked if the University would reconsider the decision to revoke the Greek housing exemption, Boswell said, "The decision to eliminate the Greek housing exemption has been extended for 18 months. There will be no Greek exemption for sophomores as of fall 2009."
Boswell has previously stated the University has no plans to make housing mandatory for juniors.
"By eliminating Greek housing exemption, it's a direct assault on the Greek system," said Teran, who is a pledge at Phi Kappa Psi.
While the exemption will directly affect Alpha Delta Phi (Wawa) and Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), which have larger houses, Bierbryer argued that smaller fraternities will also be affected.
"It prevents Phi Psi or Sig Ep from purchasing larger housing on North Charles in the future. We don't want to see an important part of the Hopkins social experience go away," he said.
The Council plans to survey members of sororities and fraternities for their views on the exemption and how much it costs for them to live in the Greek housing.
"We also want to show how much these groups contribute through campus life, including involvement in leadership positions," Bierbryer said.
Some have expressed concern over the Council focusing on an issue that only directly impacts fraternity members. Four out of five members of the Council's Executive Board are fraternity members.
Bierbryer, a member of Wawa, said the Council would listen to student opinion on the issue.
"If students for the most part generally do not oppose this, then by all means we will not address the issue," he said.
The Council would be open to addressing the issue of high housing costs in the future.
When asked if the University would reconsider the decision to revoke the Greek housing exemption, Boswell said, "The decision to eliminate the Greek housing exemption has been extended for 18 months. There will be no Greek exemption for sophomores as of fall 2009."
Boswell has previously stated the University has no plans to make housing mandatory for juniors.
"By eliminating Greek housing exemption, it's a direct assault on the Greek system," said Teran, who is a pledge at Phi Kappa Psi.
While the exemption will directly affect Alpha Delta Phi (Wawa) and Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), which have larger houses, Bierbryer argued that smaller fraternities will also be affected.
"It prevents Phi Psi or Sig Ep from purchasing larger housing on North Charles in the future. We don't want to see an important part of the Hopkins social experience go away," he said.
The Council plans to survey members of sororities and fraternities for their views on the exemption and how much it costs for them to live in the Greek housing.
"We also want to show how much these groups contribute through campus life, including involvement in leadership positions," Bierbryer said.
Some have expressed concern over the Council focusing on an issue that only directly impacts fraternity members. Four out of five members of the Council's Executive Board are fraternity members.
Bierbryer, a member of Wawa, said the Council would listen to student opinion on the issue.
"If students for the most part generally do not oppose this, then by all means we will not address the issue," he said.
The Council would be open to addressing the issue of high housing costs in the future.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
elle
posted 3/07/08 @ 11:57 AM EST
I think that it is a big mistake for the administration to do anything that would negatively impact Greek life on campus. One of the major concerns of prospective applicants, is whether or not they will enjoy a good social life at Hopkins. (Continued…)
JHU Mom
posted 3/08/08 @ 12:00 PM EST
Ok, am I missing something?! Why would students wanting to move into Greek housing be a problem? I just finished reading a piece in the opinion section about how unhappy upperclassmen were about being denied campus housing- so obviously, there is a housing shortage. (Continued…)
Dan
posted 3/25/08 @ 10:58 PM EST
The university makes a boatload of money off of on campus housing, by setting a principle and forcing ALL sophomores into university housing, they set the ground for a junior on campus housing mandate in coming years. (Continued…)
Post a Comment