What’s up with Princeton’s ban on Greek life for freshmen? Seems a bit heavy handed, no?

Margaret Fortney of The Princeton Tory reports.

On Sunday, March 25th, the University’s Committee on Freshman Rush Policy announced that beginning with the incoming Class of 2016, freshmen are prohibited from participating in any sorority or fraternity activity.   The report recommended that freshmen who seek or obtain membership in a Greek organization should be suspended, as should members of Greek organizations who recruit them.  Freshmen who attend Greek events may be subject to a lesser penalty.

When University president Shirley Tilghman instituted the committee last fall, she cited her desire “to reaffirm the centrality of the residential colleges and eating clubs as the principal elements around which residential and social life at Princeton revolve; to encourage freshmen to take full advantage of the opportunities Princeton offers to explore a variety of interests and develop a diverse set of friendships.” These motivations are unobjectionable – even praiseworthy – but they do not justify the serious threat to student autonomy that the recent ban poses.

Even if we accept the University’s policy of disapproval, it is a large step from disapproval to active prohibition.  It is outside the University’s power to regulate these groups, especially since by refusing to recognize them, they technically do not exist.  By regulating fraternities and sororities, however, the University is of course implicitly acknowledging their existence.  Their lack of formal recognition deprives them of University resources, facilities, and funding that other student groups enjoy.  Because Greek organizations accept nothing from Nassau Hall, they should likewise owe nothing to Nassau Hall.

Before we consider the particular implementation of the ban, we should understand that the University’s position on Greek life is intended to discourage participation at any point during a student’s Princeton career.  According to Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities, Princeton does not recognize Greek organizations because “in general they do not add in positive ways to the overall residential experience on campus.” Furthermore, “they can contribute to a sense of social exclusiveness and often place an excessive emphasis on alcohol”. It is not the aim of this article to address the controversy surrounding these claims, but rather to explain why, given this stance, banning freshmen rush is not desirable.