I'm writing in response to the op-eds written by Nicole Hentz ("Greek community generally not open to criticism") and Whitney Williams ("UNH, we DO have a problem"), both of which appeared in the April 9 issue of TNH. I'll start by addressing the former: firstly, I applaud you for attending the meeting of Greek/SHARPP Liaisons. That shows your opinions are based on research, not just hearsay. It seems peculiar, however, that you desire to rid this campus of the ONLY organizations that meet regularly with SHARPP to discuss issues surrounding sexual violence. I do not see any negativity in the fact that the men present did most of the talking. If we are to stop sexual violence, men need a better understanding of the issue, and what role we can play in changing it. Secondly, I wish to refute your comment that "...the foundation of fraternities is that of male culture." Fraternities are based upon a system of ideals. Whether or not every fraternity member holds himself to these standards daily is debatable. That, however, is the fault of the individual, NOT the organization. Nowhere in the constitutions of any fraternity will you find "The survival of male-dominated culture, or the institutionalization and performance of rapes" as an ideal.
In response to Ms. Williams, I want to make clear that I am not defending the positions of either author with whom you took issue. I merely wish to respond to some comments that badly generalize an entire population of students. I have no doubt that you researched many problems surrounding sexual violence. But did you do enough research to realize that the Greek community does more than make a mere "token" appearance at Take Back the Night? Do you know that we have representatives who work with SHARPP? Perhaps you do. But if so, how can you say the only effort put forth by Greeks is one hour walking around campus with a banner? The members of the Greek system do not show up to "confront" survivors of rape. We come to support them. Almost everyone at UNH could involve themselves more in efforts to prevent sexual violence, so why do you single out fraternity men? Do you feel that it is a publicity stunt for us? Is it fraternal propaganda in your eyes? If it is, I'm sorry you feel that way, but the truth is that our intentions are pure in attending this important event. We wish to show everyone who harbors opinions similar to yours that we ARE actively involved in the fight against sexual violence. Take Back the Night is a public venue in which to demonstrate this, but our efforts do not subside afterwards. As for your final comment, "...the frats are not part of the solution; they ARE the problem," I again take issue with your gross generalization. According to your statistics, there were 129 reported rapes last semester. This figure is appallingly high, and I in no way intend to diminish or dismiss the trauma these women experienced. But do you mean to imply that all of the accused men were students here, and all were Fraternity members? If you can honestly say all 129 men wore Greek letters across their chests, then I accept your generalization. If not, one could assume that not just fraternity men, but all men "ARE the problem." I think you would agree, however, that most men attending this university are NOT rapists. Rather, we support the fight against "rape culture" and are horrified to think that it has become "institutionalized" here. Those accused who are Greek should not reflect fraternity men as a whole. If the accusations are true, they should suffer the consequences for their actions.
Finally, I apologize if Ms. Hentz found the meeting she attended unproductive, but encourage her to go again, and ask her questions. Make those people whom you deem as the problem answer you, and share your suggestions. Add your voice to the mix of people who ARE trying to make a difference in more ways than with the composition of one op-ed. Rather than assume that individuals will not be receptive to criticism, I urge you to voice your criticism and help make the changes you feel are appropriate.
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