Politics · United States · 11 hrs ago
Calls grow to end US college fraternities after alleged abuses
At Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, seven men allegedly gang-raped a woman in 2024.
The incident and other alleged abuses have renewed calls from critics to abolish fraternities and sororities, often called Greek life.
Fraternities have been part of US college life since the 19th century, and some students value them for friendships and social support.
But hazing has a long history, and recent cases have included deaths and alleged criminal activity.
These incidents have raised questions about whether colleges should continue to allow the groups.
Some university leaders may be reluctant to close them because Greek life can attract students and help build campus communities.
The story does not say that any wider shutdown is planned.
Calls are growing to abolish fraternities and sororities at US colleges after a series of alleged abuses.
At Cornell University, seven men allegedly gang-raped a woman in 2024, sparking national outrage.
Recent cases cited include hazing deaths and arrests over a cocaine-trafficking ring run from two fraternities.
Critics say Greek life has a long history of harm, while supporters point to its role in campus social life and student networks.
Some critics doubt colleges will shut fraternities down because they are established campus institutions and can help attract students.
- Who
- Daniel R Schwarz and other critics are calling for Greek life to be abolished. Colleges, fraternities and supporters of Greek life are also part of the debate.
- What
- Critics are urging US colleges to end fraternities and sororities after alleged abuses, including sexual violence, hazing and drug dealing.
- When
- Calls have grown following cases in recent months and years. The alleged gang rape at Cornell took place in 2024.
- Where
- US colleges, including Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
- Why
- Critics cite alleged abuses and a long history of hazing. Supporters say Greek organizations help students form friendships and build networks.
Critics of Greek life
Supporters of Greek life
Whether colleges should keep fraternities and sororities
Critics of Greek life
Daniel R Schwarz and others are calling for Greek life to be abolished following alleged abuses.
Supporters of Greek life
Greek organizations are fixtures of campus life that help students form friendships and networks.
Colleges’ response
Critics of Greek life
Critics argue that schools should end Greek life.
Supporters of Greek life
Some critics say colleges are unlikely to close the organizations because they can make institutions more attractive to prospective students.
Five seniors at Union College in Schenectady, New York, formed what became the country’s first social fraternity.
The first death at a fraternity house occurred during an initiation at Cornell, according to a report cited in the article.
Seven men allegedly gang-raped a woman at Cornell University.
A student at Southern University in Louisiana died after allegedly being punched as part of a hazing ritual.
Fourteen people were arrested over a cocaine-trafficking ring operating out of two fraternities at Penn State.
- Cornell alleged gang rape
- Seven men; Ithaca, New York; 2024
- First social fraternity
- Kappa Alpha Society; formed at Union College in 1825
- Hazing deaths
- An average of two reported annually from 1838 to 2025, according to Hazinginfo.org
- Northern Arizona University
- An 18-year-old died from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity pledge activity
- Penn State arrests
- 14 people arrested in August over a cocaine-trafficking ring operating out of two fraternities
- Southern University
- A 20-year-old student died in 2025 after allegedly being punched during hazing
What people are saying
All the Greek alumni would have pitchforks, and it would be a whole debacle rather than kind of letting this play out in the press and then just going back to business
watching young people grow
Sources
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