Injury details unclear

Though Tufts administrators continue to keep a close eye on fraternities here, freshman Zeta Psi pledge Sebastian Gonzalez's injury last Thursday night doesn't spell an end to the Greek system. As Dean Reitman pointed out, the incident serves as a good indication that the planned Office of Greek Life is clearly needed here.

Because details about Gonzalez's injury _ and whether or not the Zeta Psi party was an unofficial pledge event _ are still unclear, fraternity members and Tufts administrators aren't saying much. About the only certain matter is that the University will likely take action against Zeta Psi for serving alcohol to a minor. In recent years, Tufts has joined with city officials in bringing fraternity presidents to court over similar charges.

The bigger issue, of course, is whether or not Gonzalez's injury was a result of hazing. Though Zeta Psi members insist that nothing of the sort happened Thursday night, there are mixed reports about the issue. If it turns out that pledges were engaged in the drinking game described by some students, Zeta Psi could face derecognition.

With many fraternity and sorority members concerned about a perceived lack of confidence from the University, it is easy to see how an Office of Greek Life would prove beneficial in a situation like this. The Greek administrator heading the office could arguably enjoy a better dialogue with fraternity members than higher-level administrators like Reitman.

Though any decision concerning Zeta Psi would probably not change even if channeled through another administrator, many fraternity members have expressed support for the creation of the Greek life office. A speedy search process for an office head would be beneficial to all involved with the Greek system.