2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor
The Other Side of the Story
Hans Buchner
Issue date: 5/3/06 Section: Opinion
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To the editor, Andrew "Foxx" Doyle, and the entire Frostburg community,
This is in reference to last week's edition of the "Foxx Boxx". I consider myself to be a very active member of the university community. In addition to being a student I am also a member of The Bottom Line staff, and an active member of Pi Lambda Phi, an international fraternity dedicated to the principles of equality and justice for all.
Freedom of speech is a very important part of the "American Dream", and Mr. Doyle has the right to make his opinion known. However the lack of accurate information in the column was both offensive and irresponsible. While I do not speak for all Greek organizations in Frostburg, I do feel compelled to present the other side of the story. There are problems in Greek life, however instead of research it looks like Mr. Doyle's column was inspired by ignorance, stereotypes and personal experience. There are a few things I feel need to be corrected, and hopefully Mr. Doyle's column will not have perpetuated negative stereotypes of the entire Greek community.
Firstly I would like to provide the actual information regarding the origin of fraternities. The first fraternities were founded so the members could discuss local and world issues in a free and open environment. The free exchange of thoughts and ideas was not something that university administrators appreciated or tolerated, hence the secrecy. Fraternities, and later sororities, deserve credit for the freedom to say what you want on college campuses without being expelled.
I want to bring to the attention of Mr. Doyle, the administration, and all students that Frostburg would not be the same place without our Greek life system. The social and educational programs sponsored by Greek organizations are a big part of Frostburg. Lip Sync, Got Lyrics and the NPHC Step Show are all prime examples of social activities which are the result of hours of planning and set up by Greek organizations. Educational programs are also brought to Frostburg through the work of Greeks. Women's self defense and sexual assault prevention are just two of the important issues presented by sororities. This Saturday, May 6th, is Spring Fest. In addition to the regular spring fest activities there will be live music and the 2nd annual Pi Lambda Phi Chili Cook-Off. All students are invited to enter the chili competition, or just come out and enjoy a hopefully beautiful day.
This is in reference to last week's edition of the "Foxx Boxx". I consider myself to be a very active member of the university community. In addition to being a student I am also a member of The Bottom Line staff, and an active member of Pi Lambda Phi, an international fraternity dedicated to the principles of equality and justice for all.
Freedom of speech is a very important part of the "American Dream", and Mr. Doyle has the right to make his opinion known. However the lack of accurate information in the column was both offensive and irresponsible. While I do not speak for all Greek organizations in Frostburg, I do feel compelled to present the other side of the story. There are problems in Greek life, however instead of research it looks like Mr. Doyle's column was inspired by ignorance, stereotypes and personal experience. There are a few things I feel need to be corrected, and hopefully Mr. Doyle's column will not have perpetuated negative stereotypes of the entire Greek community.
Firstly I would like to provide the actual information regarding the origin of fraternities. The first fraternities were founded so the members could discuss local and world issues in a free and open environment. The free exchange of thoughts and ideas was not something that university administrators appreciated or tolerated, hence the secrecy. Fraternities, and later sororities, deserve credit for the freedom to say what you want on college campuses without being expelled.
I want to bring to the attention of Mr. Doyle, the administration, and all students that Frostburg would not be the same place without our Greek life system. The social and educational programs sponsored by Greek organizations are a big part of Frostburg. Lip Sync, Got Lyrics and the NPHC Step Show are all prime examples of social activities which are the result of hours of planning and set up by Greek organizations. Educational programs are also brought to Frostburg through the work of Greeks. Women's self defense and sexual assault prevention are just two of the important issues presented by sororities. This Saturday, May 6th, is Spring Fest. In addition to the regular spring fest activities there will be live music and the 2nd annual Pi Lambda Phi Chili Cook-Off. All students are invited to enter the chili competition, or just come out and enjoy a hopefully beautiful day.
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