Seven dedicated members of Whitman’s fraternities banded together to protest the Pioneer name change at this week’s ASWC Senate meeting. They were vague but insistent about their grievances, which included an oversaturation of articles about persistent problems within the Greek system as well as a vested interest in continuing all campus traditions, regardless of content.

ASWC members were thrilled with the turnout, and the need to borrow a chair from the room next door to accommodate the extra people.

“It’s very rare to have student observers,” said Trustee in Training Pack Jercival, “We are gratified that the students of Whitman College are finally taking an interest in ASWC–finally the recognition we deserve!”

When members of the Inter Fraternity Council were given the floor to address the Senate, they were clear about their priorities.

“If an institution like the Pio can change their name willy nilly, what’s next?” asked one member of GIS, “Abolishing the Greek system? Or, or, letting sororities have houses and their own spaces to party, so we can no longer lure them to our rat-like warrens? Or making it passe for 40 year old frat alums to come party like it’s 1896?”

Due to conflict of interest concerns, the Pio was unable to interview any staff members about the incident. However, a few students wandering past Reid in search for an accessible vending machine fell prey to our persistent requests for an interview.

“The Pio is changing its name?” asked junior Jane Doe. “Huh.”

The other students had, verbatim, the same response.

In the end, ASWC decided to defer the decision until next semester.

“Off the record,” said Jercival, “I couldn’t care less. But if six very vocal alums are against it, what’s ASWC to do?”