Earlier in January, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) informed its two sororities and one fraternity that they are no longer permitted to meet or promote themselves on campus.
University spokesperson Kelsey Seymour said in an email the decision “is based on a substantive body of research which highlights significant negative impacts associated with Greek Letter organizations on university campuses.”
Nicole Duguay, vice-president of the Beta Chapter of Iota Beta Chi, said in an e-mail she is unsure where this decision came from.
“The university has been frustratingly quiet,” she said. “Iota Beta Chi has been operating on campus since our founding in 2001, so it’s strange that after fourteen years we are being told that we aren’t welcome on campus.”
The three Greek organizations on UNB’s campus were in the process of being ratified through the Fredericton Greek Council, but this ban has put discussions at a standstill.
“The Fredericton Greek Council has asked that University of New Brunswick open a dialogue with [the Greek Organizations on campus] about this issue, but it’s been slow going,” said Duguay.
While UNB has chosen to prohibit Greek letter organizations, nearby St. Thomas University is allowing them to continue their efforts. Pi Alpha Gamma, Iota Beta Chi, and Psi Lambda Phi are able to recruit new members from this campus, as well as advertise upcoming events.
Duguay said Iota Beta Chi is asking members and friends of the chapter to write letters detailing positive impacts which the chapter has had on them to the school.
“We hope that the university sees that the negative stereotypes they hold about Greek life don’t reflect us at all,” she said.
Marie Meade, a member of Pi Alpha Gamma, said she wants the university administration to look past their letters.
“We are a group of dedicated students who want to better their communities and themselves, we are a family away from home,” she said.
Meade said they wish to be seen as a unique organization, rather part of an overall statistic.
Duguay said she hopes people will begin to see the brighter side of the picture, that of academic success and member diversity.
“We want nothing but good things for our members and our community, and there are many sources which chronicle the good things about Greek organizations,” she said.
Craig Handy, president of Carleton University’s Greek Council said Carleton’s administration works closely with the Greek organizations on campus.
“When an administrative body works with students, they help to empower them which reflects extremely well on the university as a whole,” he said.
