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Joining in: Greek life gives students a sense of belonging

In reference to the effects of Greek Life at Miami, the more resonating notions proposed by The Editorial Board seemed to be in regards to identity: how first-years' clean identity slates are "crushed" by Greek Life. The piece assumes a more unified campus would be the result of scrapping unnecessary Greek organizations altogether.

Instead of crafting a lengthy refutation to these claims, I simply wish to frame them in another perspective.

Let's change focus and look at our lives on a macro scale. Ever since elementary school, we have had an innate drive for social inclusion or a sense of belonging. This is satisfied by joining clubs and sports teams, or even by seeking employment at a specific company, firm or institution.

Bottom line: if you're human, you've identified with countless groups over the course of your life, and you will continue to do so for as long as you live.

We join groups because of personal congruence with regards to personality, ideology, values, interests, etc. These are the same motivations driving underclassmen towards fraternities and sororities, groups of people with specific values, goals, personalities and purposes. The negativity associated with Greek organizations exists mostly due to their prevalence on campus. Some people think they foster a negative social environment because of widespread student alcohol abuse or by actions committed by a few members of these organizations.

But should they really take all the blame? Without Greek Life, wouldn't there still be organizations contributing to the social dynamic at Miami? Would they be judged similarly?

Like any other organization, I joined a fraternity because I felt a sense of compatibility. I felt that belonging to this particular group would benefit me and complement my values and goals. And at the end of the day, I can surely say that I have been unified with many others on campus because of it.

Not including those in my fraternity, I would never have met more people on campus and in the Oxford community without joining my Greek organization.With that perspective in mind, I challenge you to briefly change your focus and think about your experience with Greek organizations on campus.

Are they actually doing more harm than good? Do you really think they make us less unified as a community? Do you think this is worth debating at all?

Yes, I chose to join a Greek organization, but more importantly, I chose to attend Miami University, a place that I am proud to call home.

Let's never forget the two words that unify us all: Love and Honor.

Benjamin Meacham

Senior, Microbiology