Problems at frat parties may be caused by locals

Students and administrators are being forced to examine fraternities' interaction with the communities surrounding Tufts after a recent spate of crimes allegedly committed against the houses by local youths.

Early Sunday morning, two men broke in through the window of the Sigma Nu fraternity. The men stole approximately $900 worth of electronic equipment. Witnesses pursued the burglars, but were misled by a large group of suspected cohorts.

Events like this have grown more frequent over the past few years at Tufts. Four incidents of burglary and vandalism committed have already been reported this semester at fraternity houses on campus, according to Tufts University Police Department (TUPD).

Early Sunday morning two weeks ago at another fraternity, a non-Tufts teenager sprayed a fire extinguisher and, when confronted, proceeded to threaten fraternity members with an illegal butterfly knife. The teen then slashed the tires of several cars in the parking lot before being apprehended and charged with vandalism, TUPD reported.

By and large, such problems arise when fraternities are too lenient about who they let in, TUPD Captain Mark Keith said. "The majority of problems at fraternities involve non-Tufts students," Keith said. These students are often minors under the influence, he said.

Some students say they are intimidated by outsiders at fraternity parties. "Suspicious characters often pull up on Professors Row," said one freshman who wished to remain anonymous. "They look like thugs and are very scary. I'm worried what they'll do."

Typically, entrance to fraternity parties is at the discretion of fraternity members, but IDs and guest lists are frequently unchecked. According to Dean of Students Bruce Reitman, lax admittance practices raise liability issues for fraternities. The Fraternity Insurance Purchases Group policy stipulates that only people invited and on a guest list are allowed in.

But students have said it is not in the interest of the Tufts community to place restrictions on who is accepted _ though they agree that some line must be drawn to exclude those who pose a threat to campus parties.

Uninvited outsiders need to be told to go away, Reitman said, but confrontation should be avoided. Exclusivity often creates tension and resentment in those who are refused entry. And it is easier to let in unwanted visitors, and then call the police.

"If the police are called they can't walk in with their eyes closed," said Keith. If alcohol is being served to minors, police officers must intervene and shut down the party. The trade-off can be difficult for fraternity brothers.

By not calling TUPD, Reitman insists that, "fraternities are ignoring the other danger. Fraternity officers are being foolish if they are blatantly serving alcohol illegally." Regardless of whether everyone is on the guest list, the fraternity remains liable for any accident that may take place. Fraternity members, Reitman said, should be aware that the police are there to help them.

Students agree that fraternities need to be more resolute in refusing unknown locals admission. Fraternities hope they can accomplish this on their own, without TUPD assistance.

"Individual houses should look inward to do a better job of policing their parties," president of Theta Delta Chi (123) Dan Johnson said. "It's a lot easier to control the party with people who know each other and can be held accountable in the Tufts community."

But some fraternities are not sure of where to draw the line between security and discrimination.

"Tightening security is a double-edged sword," said Jeff Blank, the president of Alpha Phi Delta. "On one level, some security is necessary in order to maintain a semblance of order. Overzealously tightening security at parties, however, could easily begin to cut against the party atmosphere that people come to enjoy.