WSU fraternities, sororities release ‘culture-changing’ plan

Sexual violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and mental health problems, although all different issues, are closely related, according to a recently released statement from the Washington State University Panhellenic and Interfraternity councils.

The statement served as an introduction to the WSU Greek community’s promised action plan, a 16-page document that has been in the works since early November, about the time a self-imposed moratorium on social events at WSU fraternities and sororities was put into effect.

The moratorium was in response to an increase in assaults, rapes, falls and hospitalizations brought about by overuse of alcohol and/or drugs by Greek members in the community, according to an open letter shared by the Interfraternity Council in November.

The new plan was created by a committee that consisted of members of both councils, delegates from all recognized chapters of fraternities and sororities, as well as health promotion personnel from WSU Health and Wellness, ASWSU representatives and the WSU Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

“It is time for the Greek Community at WSU to draw the line and become involved in a culture-changing conversation needed to prevent these incidents on the Pullman campus,” according to the statement. “We have failed to look after our fellow Cougs. It is a failure that we, as a community, cannot tolerate any longer.”

The action plan consists of two methods to be used in managing the health and safety issues: education and implementation of risk management policies.

According to the plan, a series of tasks would be completed by each council, each chapter and WSU Health and Wellness, such as creating policies in response to the issues, holding sexual assault and mental health awareness weeks each year and requiring board members to attend risk management training.

The timeline of these tasks would be determined early in the spring semester, according to the document.

The document also includes an action plan sororities and fraternities must abide by when holding parties.

Risk management requirements for a party with less than 100 attendees would require the presence of at least one executive chapter member leading four “risk monitors.”

Of those acting as risk monitors, two would be stationed in high risk areas such as fire escapes, balconies and stairwells, one would be stationed at the door with the executive member, and one would roam gathering areas, according to the document.

Events with up to 250 attendees would have a risk team of six, while those with 500 or more attendees would be required to have two executive members present and a team of eight risk monitors.

Card readers, purchased by councils for each chapter, would also be required for identification checks at events.