FACT
FICTION
Fraternities and
sororities are
exclusionary and don’t
reflect economic, ethnic
or social diversity
Dwight Phillips is an active member of Windsor’s community, working with many
of the Optimist Clubs in Windsor-Essex. Phillips joined the Sigma Chi fraternity after
he’d finished his university degree - he was back at the U of W, taking random courses
as an adult student. Phillips had been on the outskirts of Greek life for many years, as
the coordinator of the Optimist Clubs for the area.
“I saw great potential in these young men, as far back as the 1990s,” said Phillips.
“We helped them with their community service requirements and I could see them
grow. They felt I was worthy of a bid.”
Phillips admits it is easy to get sucked into the stereotypical mindset. “The first
things that come to anyone’s mind is drinking and partying and hazing…even to my
mind,” he said.
Greek life in Windsor reflects the community it’s a part of - students of all ages,
ethnicities and backgrounds find a home in its fraternities and sororities.
FACT
FICTION
Fraternities and
sororities are party
clubs
Just recently, a Virginia, U.S.-based fraternity was suspended by its academic
institution for displaying banners during freshman move-in. These banners read things
like “Drop Off Your Daughters Here,” and “Drop Off Mom Too.” While this is the Greek
life displayed by the media, it’s important to look beyond the foolish decisions of those
young adults, and recognize some of the good things that going Greek can bring you.
Of course there are parties. What post-secondary institution does not come with a
complete package of parties? Most frosh weeks at universities and colleges are a
schedule packed with all kinds of different parties. Fraternities and sororities work
hard throughout the year, so it would make sense they might want a chance to blow off
some steam. But it’s not all chaos and irresponsibility. In Windsor a few years back, the
neighbours of one fraternity house complained about the loud parties…so the
fraternity responded, by coordinating with the neighbourhood, providing notice of
when parties would be and ensuring partygoers stayed on fraternity property.
Beyond the party life, there are dozens of ways Greek organizations have a positive
impact on society.
Sarah Logan joined Delta Alpha Theta at the University of Windsor without
knowing what she was getting into.
“I only really knew Greek life from movies and TV shows like Legally Blonde and
Greek, so I didn’t really have a real representation of Greek Life in my life before I
joined, especially Canadian Greek life,” said Logan.
“I think every Greek organization has the same reason: to collaborate with other
like-minded individuals to make a positive impact on your community and yourself.
Whether that is through philanthropy, friendships or self-discovery that’s completely
up to the individual Greek member and organization.”
Beyond the party life, there are dozens of ways Greek
organizations have an impact on the community
September 2015 - The HUB 33