In the days following the release of “Greeks should help police with crackdown,” I have heard many different responses and reactions. Those close to the Greek Community have been outraged and are calling for retaliation; those against the Greek Community are supportive of the article. Unfortunately, there have been harsh comments from both sides.

As a Greek member I can understand the frustration that my community shares. To us it is the same article that has been printed over and over again. Many feel that no matter what we do, the community will always see us as alcoholics who do nothing but drink, party and get into trouble.

However, it is time for Greeks to realize that there is an essential flaw that sometimes gets in the way of the principles that our organizations teach. This reputation of Greeks did not simply form out of thin air; it has been based on real incidents that have been brought to light by the media. Sadly, there are still incidents of alcohol poisoning and hazing that occur in fraternities and sororities around the nation. The writers of The Collegian have noticed this and challenged the Greeks to make efforts to correct this.

Unfortunately, the research used in the article was not completely accurate. I have served on the Interfraternity Council, which oversees all social fraternities on campus, for the past three years. The council has realized that there is a problem within our community and we have taken numerous steps to attempt to correct this.

There are currently four fraternity chapters that have had their alcohol privileges revoked. Along with this probation come many other stipulations including risk management reviews, training and other measures that will aid the chapters in using alcohol responsibly when the sanctions are lifted. We also have many programs focused on risk management strategies and preventing underage drinking. This Saturday there will be a program called “ladder of risk.” It is a four-hour risk management program focusing on fixing this vital flaw in our community. Seventeen members representing every fraternity and sorority will be in attendance for the program.

Finally, the article called for Greeks to assist the Fresno Police Department (FPD) in its attempts to cut down underage drinking. I would like to let the staff of The Collegian, as well as the entire campus, know that we have already answered that call. Members from our council have held meetings with the chief of the University Police Department and we have expressed our desire to aid the officers in their goal of curbing underage drinking. We are currently in the stages of planning a transportation system that will be operated by the police department with the assistance and support of the Greeks. We have also held meetings with the FPD and continue to work closely with them when we plan parties and other social functions.

In addition to all of this we have served on councils throughout campus. We have attended meetings with President John Welty and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Paul Oliaro. We have also attended meetings of the Alcohol Safety Council, the council that posts the responsible drinking signs, and have had conversations with them on ways to address the problem.

I understand how it may seem that Greeks encourage and promote underage drinking, and I thank The Collegian for presenting the issue to the school and publicly calling on all members of the Greek Community to take part in addressing this issue. But before you pass judgment, please keep in mind that we are taking substantial measures to correct this problem. This is not a problem that will fix itself overnight, but with everyone’s help we can hopefully make this goal a reality.

R.J. Pallari is a senior Criminology major and conducts Public Relations for The Interfraternity Council at Fresno State.