Thoughts on the University of Oklahoma and SAE

I don’t think I’ve read anything more appalling in recent memory regarding fraternities and sororities than what happened last week at the University of Oklahoma. Members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity chanted racist comments regarding African-Americans. That this happened at a flagship state school and with a terrific university president – David Boren, a former United States senator – makes it all the more shocking and appalling.

I’ve given much thought to what happened on that bus, and about fraternity culture in general, and I think two points need to be made here. First, it’s always a dangerous idea to paint with too broad of a brush. Obviously most fraternities and sororities in the United States do not condone or cultivate this sort of environment. To its credit, the national SAE organization quickly shut down the University of Oklahoma’s chapter even before the University took action. Whether or not this is something that happens at other SAE houses around the country is something that I cannot speak to, but I take the organization at its word that this is an isolated incident.

There is a second question that needs to be asked here: is it a good idea for colleges and universities to even allow fraternities and sororities on campus? One could argue that these are organizations that have little if anything to do with the educational mission of the university. One might also argue that some of the attractions of joining a fraternity or sorority are antithetical to an inclusive student community. Finally, there is the elephant in the room: many students see these organizations primarily as an easy opportunity to “hook up” with members of the opposite sex.

Full disclosure: I did not pledge a fraternity, and never even considered it. Also, I have friends who did and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and made lifelong friends not only in college but also as connections in the business world.

Fraternities and sororities, in my view, are a mixed bag. They do offer opportunities for students to fraternize with other members of the student community. That’s not a bad thing. I’m also a big believer that more choices are better than less when it comes to extracurricular activities. And, of course, I don’t think you can stereotype all fraternities and sororities by a few bad actors.

However, I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t say that I would strongly discourage my son and my daughter from ever considering joining a fraternity or sorority. I think it is not environment that is conducive to serious academics. I find that many things that happen in fraternities and sororities are things that do not foster positive and healthy relationships between young men and women. And let’s be honest: for all the community service that is performed by fraternities and sororities – and it is considerable – I think it would be laughable to argue that this is the primary motivation why most students join frats and sororities.

As I said, the University of Oklahoma is doing all the right things to rectify the situation. Let’s wait to see just how endemic racism is not only within SAE but within other fraternities and sororities.