University of Utah’s New Policy Bans Alcohol in Sorority and Fraternity Houses
ByA new policy at University of Utah effective from August bans all the sorority and fraternity houses from consuming or possessing alcohol at any chapter or residential properties such as parking areas, common areas and bedroom, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
"All the sororities are dry and alcohol-free regardless of the policy," Luna Koizumi, a member of the Greek Council told the newspaper. "We do have eight fraternities on campus. Three of them are already dry or alcohol free and they've opted to go with that option even before the policy so it really only affects five of the houses."
The policy introduced by the Greek Council and the university, forbids parties or events that feature alcohol based themes and drinking games or encourages alcohol consumption.
The university introduced this policy to promote a safe environment despite zero reports of misbehavior or alcohol or conduct problems across the campus.
However, fraternities can still include alcohol provided they meet certain criteria, register to organize a party and include police personnel to monitor the gatherings
Also the organizations should have a good conduct record, have no violations from the Dean of Students Office in the last calendar year, feature no alcohol-related action taken against them by the Conduct Board and its members must maintain a grade point average higher than the school's average.
Sorority and fraternity houses feel that the policy is reasonable and attainable.
Among 32,000 students at the university, 1,200 students are part of campus fraternities or sororities.