Page 89 - 1914 February - To Dragma

198 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

EDITORIALS

CO-OPERATION

T\ U R I N G the last year, 1 9 1 3 , the existence o f Greek-letter so-
U cieties has been threatened, concretely by the anti-fraternity
legislative activity in Ohio, Texas, Minnesota, Kansas, Wisconsin
and Mississippi and by the press discussion i n nearly every state
where fraternities exist in state institutions. The criticism, being
made by those who are not i n fraternities, is o f necessity criticism
of the interpretation of fraternity ideals which is made by fraternity
men and women. Those of us who can realize the ideals and aims
of fraternity can uphold the system before our own eyes—but we
must interpret i t to the eyes of the n o n - f r a t e r n i t y w o r l d . I n order
to do this i t is necessary to come into intimate touch w i t h college
l i f e and ideals i n general so that our own lives and activities may
be adapted to the need of the college. There is no variance be-
tween the highest ideals of a college and of a fraternity i n the lines
along which most criticism has been made—the lines of scholarship—
democracy—simplicity and honor. The difference is only in a lax-
ness i n interpretation on the part of individuals. A closer bond and
more co-operation between the fraternity life and the broader college
life would better both institutions.

As a concrete example of what I wish to convey—at a recent chap-
ter meeting the question of simplicity was brought up at the request
of the Associated Women Students and Pan-Hellenic bodies. I t
was discussed especially along the lines of expensive formal enter-
taining. The opinion of the chapter was firm that their manner of
f o r m a l entertaining was as simple as they wished it to be, and that
was the end of i t ! W o u l d that be the question, or w o u l d i t be " I s
our f o r m a l entertaining as simple as the college wishes it to be?"

SOPHOMORE P L E D G I N G

T N the matter of sophomore pledging, the university faculties seem
to be more alive than the fraternities f o r whose good it is i n -

tended. The faculties of Wisconsin, Missouri, North Carolina, Per-
due, and Iowa Wesleyan have already made regulations prohibiting
the initiation of Freshmen. I n 1 9 1 4 Texas, Ohio, and Vanderbilt
w i l l f o l l o w suit. Is i t not better to choose before the choice is taken
out of our hands?