Universities across the United States are facing renewed debates over the role of fraternities and sororities following a series of incidents involving hazing, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. The discussion has gained national attention after a lawsuit was filed regarding an alleged 2024 sexual assault at a Cornell University fraternity, prompting administrative actions and calls from some faculty and observers for the abolition of Greek letter organizations on campuses.
The catalyst for the recent scrutiny at Cornell is a report of a female student being drugged and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity in 2024. In response, Cornell expelled two students, barred a third who had graduated from campus, and issued lesser sanctions, including suspensions, to four others. The national chapter of Chi Phi disbanded its Cornell chapter. Following these events, the Ithaca Common Council voted to stop issuing event permits to Cornell student groups, including fraternities.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff stated the university would conduct “a serious look at the role of fraternities and sororities in campus life” but said officials are not currently considering an end to the Greek life system, the Associated Press reported.
Incidents at other universities have contributed to the nationwide discussion. In September, the University of Arizona’s dean suspended activities at its fraternities, citing a range of alleged behaviors including “physical assault, drugs and alcohol, hazing and creating unsafe environments.” The dean’s letter noted that some cases were under criminal investigation.
Recent events elsewhere include:
At Penn State, 14 individuals were arrested in August in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation run out of two fraternities.
At Northern Arizona University, an 18-year-old student died from alcohol poisoning this year in what was reported as a hazing incident. The fraternity’s national organization closed the chapter, and one member pleaded guilty to felony hazing, according to the Associated Press.
The University of Tennessee issued a safety notice in August after three reports of sexual assault, two of which involved suspected drugging at fraternity-affiliated locations, WBIR reported.
Data from a 2019 survey by the Association of American Universities found that among undergraduate women who reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual conduct, a fraternity setting was the most frequently cited location.
These events have amplified arguments from critics of the Greek system. Daniel R. Schwarz, an emeritus professor at Cornell, has publicly called for the abolition of these organizations. Jennifer Freyd, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Oregon who has studied campus sexual assault, said that while students join for community, some organizations have traditions that include “objectifying women’s bodies.”
Supporters and members of Greek letter organizations maintain they provide significant benefits. Hillary Brewer, chief communications officer for the North American Interfraternity Conference, a trade association, stated that fraternities “are an accelerator for success in college and beyond. They create lifelong connections to the campus, community and friends.” Regarding the Cornell incident, Brewer said, “Any fraternity man who commits or is complicit in sexual assault should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
An unnamed member of a different Cornell fraternity told The Guardian that he joined to find a support system and that eliminating Greek life would remove passionate alumni who are key donors. He expressed frustration with the university’s disciplinary response to the Chi Phi members, suggesting it was lenient compared to punishments for other infractions.
While some institutions like Bowdoin College and Swarthmore College have previously ended their Greek life systems, many university leaders express concern that doing so could alienate alumni and impact donations, particularly as they face projected declines in student enrollment. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education projects a 13% decline in high school graduates between 2025 and 2041.
