SDSU GREEK SYSTEM NEEDS GREATER SCRUTINY

The recent story in The San Diego Union-Tribune by Gary Robbins and Lyndsay Winkley detailing dangerous behavior at San Diego State University fraternities and sororities in the five years leading up to the death of freshman Dylan Hernandez after a Phi Gamma Delta event in November 2019 is alarming. It should also be a wake-up call for the SDSU alumni who have objected to past crackdowns and argued for mild punishments.

The report cited 41 disciplinary letters sent to 19 fraternities and sororities detailing offenses that included forced consumption of alcohol; abusive, violent hazing; sexual harassment and assault; the pervasive supplying of underage students with alcohol; and open drug use. Perhaps the most appalling anecdotes involved a fraternity and a sorority each trying to get people who believed that they had been drugged at parties from going to police.

The bad behavior has continued over the past year, especially at Greek-affiliated homes off-campus where SDSU officials have little or no authority.

The university had the largest number of confirmed student coronavirus cases — 1,400 and counting — of any college in California. Officials fear the fraternity- and sorority-dominated party scene in the

College Area is fueling more positive tests. The day before Halloween, San Diego County health officials felt compelled to send cease-and-desist orders to eight College Area homes — six Greek-affiliated — because of reports they would host parties.

Fraternity and sorority parties are a part of college life. But alumni should want accountability and encourage crackdowns that keep students safe — especially in a pandemic when safety is paramount.