Joining greek life is the ambition of millions of young college-bound adolescents across America, with the belief that solace can be found in committing to sororities and fraternities in college. Most greek organizations present themselves as picture-perfect, prestigious and foremost a place of community where everyone belongs. This dream is oftentimes facetious and hides a much darker reality. 

Sororities and fraternities are collegiate organizations similar to an unsponsored club. These organizations emerged in the late 1700’s as a way for  students to promote bonding and intellectual discussion with their peers. Over the years, fraternities and sororities have sprouted in popularity. This has enticed nearly 50,000 undergraduate students yearly to commit themselves, or as it’s more formally known, pledge themselves to a greek organization.

 Members of Greek organizations often argue that pledging is a great experience that will heighten one’s college experience, while others argue that you are spending a  lot of money, time and effort to simply “make friends.” 

According to the College Research Benefits Group, “new initiates face $150 to $750 in immediate costs just to start, not yet factoring in annual dues. And those initial fees pale in comparison to expected later mandatory recurring financial outputs.”

A financial commitment to a greek organization is a challenge to potential pledges who likely just spent tens of thousands of dollars on school tuition. This is not surprising when considering that fraternities and sororities first emerged as exclusive societies for affluent scholars. Evidently, a systemic financial barrier within Greek organizations has become clear to see. 

Greek organizations also have a long reputation of hazing incoming pledge members. Often thought of as a Rite of Passage, Hazing can range from silly ‘dares’ given to pledges by higher-ranking members within the organization to extremely harmful and even fatal situations pledges are forced into. 

According to Horizon Health Services, “Over the years, the stipulations for pledging a sorority or fraternity have become more intense and more dangerous. And it doesn’t stop at binge drinking; there have been many college cases where students have been sexually and physically assaulted during pledge parties”

Most recently,  police officer bodycam footage was released in an alleged hazing incident at the University of Iowa. Over 50 young men were found in a fraternity’s basement, covered in condiments and other substances, refusing to speak to first responders. This footage was quickly posted to social media and went viral almost immediately. Many social media viewers are dumbfounded at the reality of the obstacles of pledging. 

Pledges are taught by higher ranking members that ‘everyone goes through it,’ ‘pledges are made stronger’ if they can handle adversity and that ‘they will bond more as a group’ after experiencing such harsh treatment together. Subsequently, this encourages pledges to sweep any accusations of wrongdoing against members under the rug. 

Despite the evidently problematic nature of these organizations, not all greek organizations are inherently bad. Sororities and fraternities can be a great opportunity for students to network and truly find a support system. Organizations provide Resources, opportunities and outreach to their members and communities. 

With increased public backlash, colleges and organizations have begun to crack down immensely. Punishing informal Behavior from potential pledges and members. The important thing is that organizations continue to commit to bettering their rules and regulations. Ridding themselves of the traditions from the ‘good ole days’ that harm members fiscally, physically and mentally.