Staff Editorial: To deal with stereotypes, engage student body

It's easy to judge books—and people—by their covers. So easy, in fact, that stereotypes often replace honest conversations on campus.

Like many other groups on campus, Greek Life has its share of stereotypes. It's a common understanding that second semester freshman, in addition to searching for friendship and connections on campus, are also looking for a way to fill their cups when they apply for membership to a Greek organization. It's also understood that, while not always accurate, the images we think of when we hear "Greek Life" don't always include volunteering at soup kitchens and helping the poor.

But maybe, sometimes, they should.

What isn't generally acknowledged about sororities and fraternities is how these organizations impact—largely for the better—the individuals who join them.

Greek Life at St. Joe's in particular provides ample service and philanthropic opportunities for its members, along with the larger university community. The contributions that fraternity and sorority members make to their own organizations along with the larger community are important ones, and shouldn't be ignored simply because of the stereotypes that precede them.

While it's still fair to question some of the practices of fraternities and sororities with regard to university policy, it's not fair to assume that every fraternity or sorority member participates fully in those questionable behaviors. Like every other organization on campus, Greek Life deserves to be both scrutinized and validated. The Greek system isn't the only one at St. Joe's with flaws, or strengths.

With this in mind, it's important for Greek and non-Greek organizations on campus to combat stereotypes and foster honest and constructive dialogue about them. Every organization at St. Joe's has its strengths and weaknesses. In order for stereotypes about each to dissipate, open communication between groups is essential. The less we know about each other, the more likely it is for false assumptions to rise out of misunderstandings.