Ashleigh Smith
Art Director
Greeks wear their letters everywhere, as a symbol of pride, accomplishment, and identity. Our letters set us apart as leaders and scholars around campus, in town, at job interviews… but not at graduation?
On Thursday, April 23, the McDaniel administration announced that it will effectively bar Greek members from wearing stoles at their graduation ceremony.
According to an email sent by the provost, Thomas Faulkner, the administration advocates that “Commencement is a ceremony to honor academic achievement.”
Societies considered to be “academic” will still be allowed to wear graduation regalia.
However, the McDaniel Web Site acknowledges the scholarship aspect of Greek life, by commenting that “Greek-letter organizations were founded on the ideals of scholarship, leadership, community service and friendship… Academics play a key role in the Greek community.”
In a unilateral decision, the administration has neglected to recognize that Greek organizations play a vital role in the academic life of its members. Instead of rising above the stereotype that Greeks are not scholars, the administration is simply perpetuating it.
“One of the big things about Greeks is scholarship,” says junior Eric Lemmon, a member of Phi Kappa Sigma, and their Educational Chair. “G.P.A.’s an important thing.”
Phi Kappa Sigma is not the only Greek organization to care about academics—every Greek organization is responsible for maintaining a certain level of scholarship.
And they do. Last year, the Greek average G.P.A. was a 3.05 compared to the all-student of 2.89, according to Greek adviser Amanda Rose.
Rose acknowledges the frustration of the Greek community, but says, “I can understand why administratively…[some] students have too much.” She points out that stoles can still be worn to Convocation and Baccalaureate.
Additionally, stoles have never officially been allowed at graduation. “The policy was never enforced,” says Rose.
Greek organizations are typically classified as “social,” but Greek life is an all-inclusive pursuit, involving excellence in academic, leadership, and philanthropic opportunities.
Greeks are much more than Animal House.
Greeks are Resident Assistants, interns, tour guides, and employees for McDaniel.
Greeks work with local service projects, both in and outside of their fraternity, like Take Back the Night, FallFest, the Rape Crisis Intervention Services, the Target House, and Tour de Carroll.
Greeks graduate with honors across all majors.
Greeks attend graduate school, and become M.D.s and Ph. D.s.
Greeks star in theatre productions.
Greeks work for campus media.
Greeks work with charities like Up ‘Til Dawn, Relay for Life, Children’s Miracle Network, the National Kidney Foundation, Adopt-A-Highway, World Wild Life, Livestrong, the ALS Association, SERRV, Lukemia and Lymphoma Society, Adopt a Family, and Habitat for Humanity.
Greeks have a right to show their letters at graduation.