Greek life has been the subject of extensive discussions and research regarding their potential contributions to sexual assault on college campuses. While many fraternities and sororities have not been involved in sexual assault — and many members of these organizations actively work to prevent such incidents — there are factors within Greek life that have been associated with a higher risk of sexual assault.
A 2007 study found that men involved in fraternities are three times more likely to commit rape than their peers who are not involved in Greek life. Another study from the National Library of Medicine reported that women in sororities are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted while in college (29% vs. 7%).
Several aspects of Greek life contribute to sexual assault, such as heavy alcohol consumption, the perpetuation of gender norms, a lack of accountability, peer pressure and hazing rituals. These factors combine to create a deeply unsafe environment for members of fraternities and sororities, as well as students on campus who are not involved in Greek life.
Greek life is often associated with a strong party culture that frequently involves excessive alcohol consumption. Regardless of dry campus policies, such as Boise State University’s, alcohol is often still heavily involved in the parties thrown. When judgment is impaired by alcohol, potential victims are more vulnerable and predatory individuals may try to take advantage of that situation.
Some fraternities may also reinforce traditional gender norms and stereotypes, promoting hypermasculinity. This can create an environment in which aggressive and disrespectful attitudes toward women are normalized, making sexual misconduct more likely.
In a CNN article, author and founder of One in Four — a nonprofit rape prevention organization — John Foubert stated that, “Fraternities provide the culture of male peer support for violence against women that permits bad attitudes to become treacherous behavior.”
There is also a concerning lack of accountability for actions that members of Greek life take. In some cases, Greek organizations may have weak or ineffective mechanisms for addressing sexual assault allegations within their ranks. This lack of accountability can discourage survivors from coming forward and may lead to a culture of impunity.
Attorneys from M.L. Law addressed this lack of accountability within fraternities, saying, “A university is supposed to foster a safe and comfortable environment for its students. Unfortunately, many universities have turned a blind eye when it comes to fraternity sexual abuse. There have been hundreds of cases against universities and fraternities for failing to protect their students…”
Another alarming facet of Greek life that perpetuates sexual assault is the hazing that often takes place. Despite hazing being illegal in all but six states, it is still a rampant problem in fraternities and sororities across the country.
A statement from Doan Law Firm discusses how sexual assault is all too common in Greek life hazing. “No type of hazing is more underreported than that involving sexual assault. The stark reality is that sexual assault occurs with alarming regularity as part of hazing ‘rituals’.”
While it is crucial to acknowledge that not all Greek organizations are implicated in sexual assault, there are systemic issues within some of these groups and the system as a whole that contribute to an environment where such incidents can occur.
Efforts to combat sexual assault within Greek life must focus on both prevention and accountability in order to create a culture where sexual assault is not tolerated, survivors are supported and all students can fully enjoy the benefits of Greek life without fear or harm.
Regardless of the circumstances or context, no one ever is responsible for or invites sexual assault. The responsibility for any act of sexual assault lies solely with the perpetrator. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, Boise State offers resources including the Title IX Office, the Gender Equity Center, University Health Services and University Counseling Services.
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I am 83 years old. When I was 16 I went to a fraternity party thrown by DKE. I LOATHED it. I was too young to articulate why the following song bothered me so much: “Who had you last night?/ Who’s havin’ you now?/ The man who had you last night/ Cannot have you know/ Under the spreading chestnut tree/ the village idiot stands/ (something something) abusing himself/ and catching the cum in his hands, Oh! Who had you last night,” etc. It is now nearly 70 years later and I have NEVER once forgotten this execrable chant. Now I go on the Internet and see that frat boys are 3 times more likely to go rapist than non-frat boys, that sexual violence is still a regular occurrence in fraternities, and while DKE was banned at two campuses, it’s now back again. With what results, I didn’t try to find out. This experience certainly contributed to my very active participation on the women’s movement of the late 1960s.