UI Fraternities Under Pressure To Observe State’s Alcohol Laws

The University of Idaho has served notice fraternities must establish alcohol policies and practices that conform with state law by Jan. 1.

In some dormitories, students who are 21 or older are allowed to have alcohol in their private rooms, but it is not served at any parties.

Fraternity and sorority presidents met last Sunday to review a proposal that would have banned alcohol at fraternity parties.

But Greek adviser Chris Wuthrich said the time for talk is waning.

“The university is not going to debate with students,” he said.

“The ball is in their court and the shot clock is ticking.

“We’re going to wait to see what the students come up with before we take the next step to ensure compliance with the law.”

Two weeks ago, Wuthrich predicted the school’s Greek community would come to a vote by the end of October on a proposal to accept an alcohol policy similar to the school’s dormitories.

Many fraternity houses now have policies that allow for drinking only by those 21 or older. But in practice, Wuthrich said, the parties are attended by minors who consume alcohol.

Neither the school nor the Alumni Greek Council has any power to force the fraternities to move one way or the other. But, Wuthrich said, the school can exert “leverage.” If some fraternities do not go along, the school could refuse to recognize them.

“When you don’t recognize them, they can’t do business,” Wuthrich said. A chapter that is not in good standing at a host university will find it difficult, if not impossible, to get insurance.

The students say an alcohol-free Greek Row will force the parties off campus and perhaps create an even bigger problem.

All sororities are dry and at least one fraternity prohibits alcohol.

Idaho is one of five universities nationwide targeted for a pilot project to have dry Greek Rows.