“You’re my boy, Blue!” Beach houses just aren’t enough, as some students question the possibility of having Greek Life on campus.
“Animal House.” “Old School.” “Revenge of the Nerds.” These movies have portrayed why kids really go to college.
But what is the incredible force embodied in these films that is not present here at Fairfield?
Fraternities.
Footage of kegs flying out widows, students streaking through the quad and playing a practical joke on a neighboring frat is bound get anyone “frat-tastic.” Yet the question as to why there are no frats on Fairfield’s campus is one that may need some discussion.
After watching those movies one would have to wonder what Public Safety would do about frats.
“I can’t foresee frats as being any concern of us at this time,” said Public Safety Sergeant John Ritchie. Ritchie felt that frats could go either in a positive direction or a negative one, and that the course couldn’t be determined.
“I do not think that we can predict behavior pattern problems,” he said.
The real question at stake is, are fraternities still as bad as they appear to be in the movies? Present day fraternities have moved toward a new dimension, many of which serve as role models and campus leader houses.
“I liked frats at my previous school, the University of St. Louis,” said Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Michael Doody. “The frats conducted trips to do service and before the trip they would have a reflection period related to the service.”
Doody went on to say, “I would be in favor of fraternities, because there are real benefits. They add a social aspect and create a positive aspect, as long as drinking and other problems are monitored.”
“Frats promote exclusivity, which is against catholic doctrine,” Doody said. “One can also argue that fraternity actually means brotherhood, which is a pivotal part of a Jesuit education.”
Phil Spada ’10 was somewhat more enthusiastic.
“I would definitely be in favor of frats because on weekends there is simply not enough [to do],” he said. “A frat house is always a place to go.”
Agreeing with Doody, Spada said, “Frats also add a service aspect and their members must meet certain requirements before admission. It’s not just partying.”
Spada also pointed out that, “Loyola of New Orleans, another Jesuit school, has frats.”
Spada and other fraternity advocates may take center stage in debates to come on this issue.
Dean of Students Thomas Pellegrino explained his view on fraternities.
“From a social perspective, fraternities and sororities exist to provide a social life structure within a larger community,” he said. “Given our size and close-knit community, I think they would be somewhat redundant here. Historically, the Catholic Church, and by extension, the Jesuits, have not viewed fraternities in a positive light.”
“Also, there is a concern that fraternities are exclusive and elitist,” Pellegrino said, echoing Doody’s main concern.
“Our current climate is appropriately pursuing diversification and openness. I think fraternities would be counterintuitive to what we want to achieve as a community,” said Pellegrino. “Finally, while these organizations may promote cohesiveness in small groups, they may encourage a drinking and partying culture. On balance, I do not see value in having such a system here on campus.”
So, for now, Fairfield seems destined to remain fratless.
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