Dear Editor,
I know a lot of people are upset about Lauren Border's op-ed about Greek life in yesterday's issue of The Tufts Daily. And I don't mean to jump on the bandwagon, but I really feel that I need to respond in some sort of public forum.
I have been a fraternity brother for roughly three years now. I worked incredibly hard to join my fraternity. Yes, I "pledged" a fraternity. I was never, EVER, forced to do something I did not want to do. I was never forced to do anything disgusting. I never for a second felt that the brothers of Theta Chi did not care about me. I never felt that the brothers of Theta Chi did not want me in the house. I never felt dehumanized. I never felt degraded. I did what every single brother before me did. I "pledged" Theta Chi so that I could be a brother. I wanted to be part of this brotherhood.
Every single person who has a joined a Greek organization likely feels the same way. We might have "rivalries" with each other. Maybe we slot into neat little categories just like Border suggests. But regardless of whether we are the "nerdy" fraternity, or the "jocks" or the "bros," we have all gone through a difficult process. And we all did it because of how strongly we felt the call of brotherhood or sisterhood. No matter who you are, no matter what house you are in, no matter what my personal relationship with you may be, I will never doubt the conviction you feel with regard to your organization. Be it Delta Tau Delta, Chi Omega, Theta Delta Chi (123) or Alpha Phi, we are all united in our dedication to our chapters.
So do not lump us in with "Old School" or "Animal House." Sure, we have parties. We wear letters. We drink. But we are not dude bros. We are not catty sorority girls. We joined our houses because of the people, not because of the status it may or may not confer. Every house on campus works incredibly hard to better our community. Look at Logan Cotton, who took on an enormous amount of responsibility to mend relationships between the Greek and LGBT communities. Look at Alpha Omicron Pi, which organized a massive talent show and raised an incredible amount of money for charity simply by passing a bucket around. I am incredibly proud of my peers in the Greek community and immensely proud of my own chapter for constantly answering the call to help those who need it most.
Ms. Border, you do not know us. Do not stereotype us. Greek life may not be for everybody, but those of us who have made the choice will never regret it. We have joined families that will support us for life. I could not be happier to call myself a Theta Chi brother, and I know that every single member of Greek life on our campus feels the same way about his or her chapter.
Respectfully,
Matt Wittman
Theta Chi brother since 2009
