The agreement that lays out new regulations for housed greek organizations has undergone final modifications, and now awaits signatures from chapter presidents of all housed greek organizations by Sept. 30.
An earlier version of the agreement caused controversy when the misconception spread that it would allow the IU Police Department free search of greek houses without warning. The current agreement specifies that IUPD may only enter when there is probable cause or an emergency situation.
However, houses are subject to fire safety inspections with one business day’s notice. Houses must undergo these inspections annually along with kitchen inspections by Environmental Health and Safety.
Panhellenic Association president Maggie Reisdorf said attitudes among greeks toward the agreement improved over the last few weeks, especially once Student Life and Learning was able to explain the intentions behind some of the phrases and ideas in the agreement.
Reisdorf said the language modifications reinforced the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, rights of students in housed greek organizations.
She also thinks the agreement will benefit openness between national organizations and chapters at the University.
“First and foremost there’s going to have to be more communication between national chapters and the chapters themselves,” Reisdorf said.
Reisdorf said one of the most important things in the process of revising the agreement was giving students more time because the original deadline scheduled for August made them feel pressured and stressed.
“Being able to give them an extra month for these conversations was the biggest thing for me,” Reisdorf said.
Interfraternity Council president Ryan Zukerman said in an email that student leaders were able to have considerable input in the process of revising the agreement.
“In fact, the opportunity to suggest changes was opened to all greek leadership — both at the council and chapter level — before the finalized document was sent out,” Zukerman said in the email.
Another section of the agreement that stirred controversy bans hard liquor in greek houses.
This section now clarifies that wine may be served to people 21 or over if poured in plain sight at the bar by a sober member who is 21 or over, and beer may be served to people 21 or over if served in its original, unopened bottle. No other type of alcohol is permitted on the premises of greek houses.
Steve Veldkamp, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Life and Learning, said at a meeting in August that the ban actually gives greek houses more freedom when it comes to alcohol because they previously had no written right to have alcohol of any kind in houses.
“We are not concerned with this pushing parties off campus, as this policy is in line with most organizations’ individual policies anyway,” Zukerman said.
Initially some people expressed concern about the ban causing harm by pushing parties off campus, but Reisdorf said she absolutely supports the elimination of hard alcohol in houses and only allowing beer and wine if allowed by chapters’ national organizations.
“I’m really excited that we’re not only engaging in a conversation about how to create a safer and healthier environment but also taking tangible, actionable steps,” Reisdorf said.
