Syracuse University alum responds to Theta Tau video
It’s deeply disturbing to see the SA president infer that all of Greek life on campus has little to no value to the campus community or to the greater Syracuse community. I fear that his words, spoken at Hendricks on Wednesday afternoon, will do more harm than what was said by Theta Tau in the videos.
I understand being disturbed and upset with what was said and I’m disturbed to hear what was said, but to call for a crusade against Greek life because of this video is highly disappointing.
It’s hard to believe that James Franco would be unaware of the philanthropic activities done by the members of Greek life at SU, but this seems to be the case. Now yes, there are bad apples mixed in the basket and it is important to deal with the bad apples, but to punish all of Greek life because of the actions of a few is highly dangerous. I will be the first to admit that I used to have a negative opinion of Greek life during my time at SU, but after having friends show me what Greek life is about, I don’t have a blanketed negative opinion of Greek life, unlike Franco.
If Franco is really the student’s president, then it’s imperative of him to educate himself on what Greek life does for the community and the values its members hold. As I have stated, to call on this crusade against Greek life is absolutely disappointing and highly troublesome.
There has always been this negative opinion of Greek life held by non-Greek life members and it’s quite clear that Franco holds these beliefs, even if he is not stating them directly. The actions of a few do not speak for the whole group.
I implore Franco to clarify his statement or to educate himself on what Greek life does if he wants to continue this crusade against Greek life. While I agree with him that these videos don’t represent what SU stands for and are disturbing, his reaction to it seems to be a reach, especially when FASA have already suspended Theta Tau for their actions.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Castaneda, Class of 2017
MORE COVERAGE:
- Syverud: SU will start ‘top to bottom’ review of all Greek life policies, activities and culture
- Student Association leaders call for SU Greek life audit in wake of Theta Tau suspension
- Students protest Theta Tau videos outside Chancellor Kent Syverud’s house
- Gallery: SU campus community reacts to Theta Tau videos
Published on April 18, 2018 at 11:31 pm
