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SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah and its associated fraternities and sororities have agreed on a change that could leave some students dry.
Beginning this summer, no alcohol will be alowed on greek properties unless they meet a very high standard. The new rule, agreed upon between the university and the Greek Council, which represents sororities and fraternaties, goes into effect this summer.
The new rule really only affects five fraternities; all sororities are already dry, and have been for years, while three of the eight fraternaties are also dry.
This semester is a trial period to see which fraternaties will meet the high bar for allowing alcohol on their properties, which include having an average GPA above the university average for men, and not having any sanctions from the dean's office for a full year.
If those standards are met, alcohol would be allowed for one year. However, responses have been mixed.
"I'm hearing more of a 'Yeah, not a lot is going to change,' rather than a lot of opposition," said Associate Dean Lori McDonald. "But, granted, it's just starting."
Not everyone agrees, and some reactions have been strong. Fraternity brothers who wouldn't go on record said they're furious, and never supported a change. The decision was made last fall and is only now being carried out.
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Graffiti hits frat row at University of Utah
Students cleaned up the mess after some graffiti artists went on a tagging spree on several houses at the University of Utah's Fraternity Row.Students will eventually come on board when they realize the change will reduce alcohol-related accidents, injuries and deaths, Mcdonald said.
"The chapter officers have come to understand how challenging it is to try and ensure safety and a healthy environment," she said. "Most of them that I have heard from have been in favor of it."
Pan-Hellenic president Luna Koizumi stressed that Greek groups can still have alcohol, if they meet the requirements.
The rule was passed with a 13-1 vote, meaning only one fraternity voted against the change.
Contributing: David Self Newlin
