Thursday, October 12,1995 Following the death of an associate member, fraternities re-evaluate their consumption of alcohol. by Ann McGlynn The Daily lowan University of lowa lOWA CITY, lOWA- Alcoholic beverages at social events held in University of lowa fraternity houses have been indefinitely banned by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council. In a September 26 meeting, members of the two councils, along with the presidents of the UI Greek organizations voted for the ban while evaluating alcohol policies, said Beth Dinsmore, president of the Panhelleic Council. "I completely support this," Dinsmore said. Members of the councils met earlier with UI Dean of Students Philip Jones, Dinsmore said, and decided to consider the ban. At the September 26 meeting, the SO Greek representatives gave their approval. Sigma Alpha Epsilon President Todd Johnson said, "It's time to re-examine ourselves. I think the Greeks are doing the right thing by agreeing with the [ban]." We are campus leaders," No bottles the Johnson added. "I think together we can work it out" Interfraternity Council President Bob Kendall said the meeting was a result of the death of Lambda Chi Alpha associate member Matthew Garofalo, 19, who died as a result of acute alcohol intoxication after attending a party September 7 at the Lambda Chi house. Garofalo's death already had prompted the lowa State Board of Regents to consider banning alcohol from fraternity and sorority houses. Kendall said, however, that the Interfratemity Council's alcohol policies are "very good" and the Ul's are among the most progressive in the nation. "Anything can be improved," he said. Once fraternity members are briefed by their presidents, Kendall said they will understand why the ban has been put in place. Sororities are not included in the ban because national rules do not allow alcohol in their houses. Parties outside of fraternity houses also are not included in the ban. News of beer wall "It's not the start of a dry campus," Kendall said, "or the demise of die Greek system." Kirsten Roth, president of Alpha Phi sorority, said she supports the ban as a tool to rethink policies. "I think this good,” Roth said. "It gives us time to re-evaluate our policies and see how we need to change the system. It's a good break." Roth said she doesn't think there will be a negative reaction to the moratorium. "I think people will be supportive when they have the information and understand the situation," she said. "The [press releases] come out today, and it will clarify the "Our top priority is the safety of our people." -Kirsten Roth situation.” She said the Greek system is not just about alcohol, so the ban should not disrupt life. "The base purpose is to develop members and support," Roth said. "Doing this a step for us in re-evaluating the system.” Roth said the Greek system has been considering a move like this since Garofalo's death. "It's not something that's come up suddenly," she said. "There s a lot of evidence that this should be done, and it's not something we're taking lightly. Serious things have happened that we need to address." She said the alcohol ban will likely result in policy changes. "Our top priority is the safety of our people," Roth said. "I don't know how that will be translated into policy." UI is the second major university to have its Greeks ban alcohol this year. At the University of Colorado-Boulder, the governing bodies of CU's 26 fraternities and sororities voted to ban alcohol from all functions held in chapter houses and to promote "zero tolerance" policy against underage drinking by members. Harambee dinner BEHREND-The Eighth Annual Harambee Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Commons in the Reed Union Building. Harambee is Swahili for “let’s all pull together.” The Harambee dinner is a celebration to mark the beginning of the academic year and to promote unity among the campus community. An hour before the dinner the Multi-Cultural Council will be sponsoring an open house in which information on the Resource Center will be provided. The open house is also a way for organizations to get their name known. The dinner consist of various ethnic foods. Gwendolyn White will be the feature speaker for the night. Ms. White is employed by Erie Insurance and is very involved in community activities, such as the United Way, Mother-to-Mother program, and she is a Leadership Erie almnus. The topic for her presentation will be leadership. Entertainment will be provided by the Shiloh Mime Troupe. Any questions regarding the dinner should by directed to the Office of Student Affairs. A limited number of reservations are available. Courtesy the MCC newsletter, "Another Perspective." Page 3
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