(click here for link to post on the first article, or the second article)
When is a dorm more like a fraternity? What's in a name? A group of Notre Dame students recently tried to change their dorm name...
At a Nov. 16 Student Senate meeting, Zahm Hall's representative proposed a resolution that would formally recognize the dorm as "Zahm House" - a move that invoked laughter before its failure to garner enough support among voters.Hmmm. Trouble in Paradise?
Student body president Dave Baron supported the resolution. Praising Zahm's uniqueness on campus, he said he had no problem with the proposal because it "foster[ed] dorm identity."
But Dillon senator Dan Bowen opposed the resolution and said Zahm was "trying to leave the impression they're a fraternity." Such a claim would be "very contrary" to Notre Dame tradition and policy, he said.
A chance for change?
Zahm residents may or may not have intended to blur the lines of distinction between residence hall and fraternity, but their motion demonstrated the desire some students have for an officially recognized Greek system at Notre Dame.
Keough freshman E.J. Alston expressed dissatisfaction with the current residence hall system and said he wished University policy permitted fraternities and sororities.
"I think having a Greek life would boost the social scene on campus and make it more fun," Alston said. "If there was a Greek life, I would pledge for the experience because I have heard good things about [the Greek system]."
All kidding aside, this series is a good, in-depth look at the situation at one non-Greek school. Sig Eps, and especially the Regional Directors, should note the arguments on both sides of the issue. They should be ready to answer both the misconceptions and the accurate criticisms of Greek life in addition to making the positive case for fraternities.
The Observer
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