Beta suspension the right choice

A big part of the IU experience is the parties that one experiences and friendships that are built during one's years here. For many, these experiences come through the greek system here at IU. With 31 fraternities and 19 sororities here on campus, the greek system is extensive and reaches many people here, whether they are actually a member of a house, or merely a party/activity-goer.\nUnfortunately, in the past couple years, these activities at the greek houses have been going a little too far, with numerous violations occurring by the houses for alcohol, for which the house would receive a warning. As a matter of fact, two students have died in relation to greek parties in the past three years, a grave statistic. It is obvious that these warnings are not getting through to the members of the greek system, so other measures must be taken.\nSaturday, the Beta Theta Pi house had their charter suspended for an uncertain amount of time. The house has had several violations this year for both alcohol and hazing, as well as some members being involved in an assault and battery charge in the spring. The members of the house were not doing a good job of representing their national organization, and the organization took action that was warranted. \nThere are many positive aspects to the greek system, through the friendships that are built with one's brothers and sisters, as well as the philanthropic work that is done through fundraisers. Yet, along with all these good things come the bad aspects, such as hazing and alcohol violations. It is unfortunate for some members of some houses to ruin the fun for others, and it is good to not necessarily punish the whole system but merely the houses that are in violation.\nYet actions such as suspending the charter of the Beta house are good, because it sends a message to the other 50 houses here on campus that violations will not stand, and also that the houses here are a reflection on the national chapters as well. So, if a greek house wants to maintain its stay here on this campus, it is important for it to act accordingly. We hope the suspension of the charter of the Beta Theta Pi house will succeed in getting that message through to the other houses on campus where previous suspensions have not.