Greek life reissues rules to fraternities

Julie Finely

On Oct. 24, the Office of the Dean of Students issued a clarification of acceptable pledge activities to all fraternities on the Ole Miss campus.

Recently two Ole Miss fraternities have been under investigation for rules violations. Delta Kappa Epsilon for posting pornography on the web, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon for possible hazing charges.

Officials say that the clarification of pledge activities simply reinforces past rules. Alex Farlow, Inter Fraternity Council president said the rules are just rules.

"It may mean different things to different chapters," Farlow said. "The rules have not changed, well, they changed a little. It's going to affect each chapter differently."

Farlow did not attend the meeting that was attended by fraternity presidents, Spark Reardon, associate dean of student life, and Alex Gresham, assistant dean of students for Greek life. Neither Reardon or Gresham were available for comment Thursday.

"It's very sad that we are even at the point that we have to investigate," said Provost Carolyn Staton. "The Greek system can provide so much, it's such a shame that this is happening."

The list mentions the issue of work parties. It states that work on a house or grounds involving pledges must take place on Monday through Thursday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. It specifically states, "There are no weekend or early morning work parties or activities."

Brad Jones, president of Alpha Tau Omega, said this is a change in past rules.

"We used to be able to have work parties on Saturday mornings at seven," Jones said. "That is the only change I know of."

Other issues mentioned in the clarification were no personal servitude, no off-campus pledge activities, no interviews or name lists in order to get to know active members, no conspicuous dress, no line-ups, drills or related activities, no spending money for actives and no required attendance at the house.

"I think they reissued the rules to take away the situation for hazing,"

Jones said. "Rules are good to a certain degree."