By April Kirchner

Effective this semester, the University of Louisville’s greek row will no longer be allowed to have alcohol on the premises. The decision was made by members of the University, specifically Denise Gifford, Vice President for Student Affairs. The decision was made after many months of debate between represenatives of greek organizations and the university and evaluation by U of L administration. The fraternities on Greek Row recently received a letter from Gifford stating the policy’s immediate effect.

“My decision was based on my continued concerns about the ability and willingness of fraternities to manage the risk and liabilty related to these events,” said Gifford. “Since 1998, three of U of L’s five on-campus fraternities have received severe sanctions for alcohol-related incidents. Three received alcohol restrictions on their chapters over the past year and a half, and one was issued warnings for possible violations. In contrast, behavioral problems have dropped signifigantly in one fraternity that has chosen to have a ‘dry’ house because of its previous difficulties with alcohol.”

According to Gifford, the problems were witnessed firsthand by administration. “When Dr. Pregliasco (Assistant Vice-President for Student Life) attended the fraternities’ pre-rush parties, she witnessed many unsafe conditions and alcohol-guidlines violations,” said Gifford. Members of fraternities see this differently. “If Dr. Gifford were to examine on-campus fraternity parties closely, she would see a very controlled environment,” said junior finance major, Chris Marlin. “Instead of punishing the fraternities, and Greek system as a whole, the university should compliment the Greek system for its efforts to promote alcohol awareness and provide safe environments in which to hold parties.”

The U of L administration has been increasingly concerned with alchol related issues for quite some time. “After a number of years of attempting to ‘tighten up’ the alcohol guidlines for Recognized Student Organizations, we still see groups not successfully complying with the guidlines and thus taking dangerous risks with their own lives and those of their friends,” said Gifford. “Based on this history, the decision was made to restrict alcohol form events in these houses on campus.”

The goal, according to adminstration, was to make sure the policy was implemented before someone was harmed and not after. “The safety of students is the primary goal here, and I am pleased to act proactively and not in response to a tragic accident or death,” said Gifford.Some students feel like this policy is discriminatory against members of the Greek System. “By discriminating against Greek organizations in this action, and fraternities in particular, [administration is] lowering my opinion of this school,” said senior finance major, Cliff Elliot. “I will be extremely upset if the Wilderness Club or the Mortar Board ever decides to throw a party with alcohol on campus and is alowed to do so. As unlikely as that may be, (Dr. Gifford’s) letter does not mention anything about RSO’s as a whole, only fraternities.”

Greeks are upset at the lack of recognition when it comes to the many positive aspects of Greek Life. “Why does the university not embrace the Greek system,” asked Marlin. “The university is very slow to point out its achievements, and quick to publicize the slightest fault. Greek systems across the country are commended for their contributions to the university, however at this university we are pushed to the side. The Greek system, year in and year out, works dilligently to thrive in an environment the provides little nourishment. I would ask that the university take a look at this issue and reevaluate their position.”

According to Gifford, the policy is set in stone. “Throughout the Spring of 2001, I have received written requests to re-evaluate the decision I announced in the meeting on February 22, 2000,” said Gifford. “I have done that re-evaluation and remain steadfast in the conviction that the safety of our students must be preeminent. I, as Vice President, am charged with this responsiblilty, and take it seriously. My decision prohibiting fraternities sponsoring events with alcohol is final and in effect immediately.”