Since the release of the results of a recent sexual misconduct survey, Whitman’s fraternity leaders have begun seeking solutions to a problem that has gone unaddressed for too long.

The survey, which was covered in the Pioneer’s April 26 issue, reported that 78.6 percent of aggressors in incidents of forced vaginal intercourse were greek males. Additionally, 44.6 percent of female victims who reported an incident of sexual misconduct were sorority members.

The survey was modeled after a Campus Safety Survey developed at WSU that was released last spring. The numbers reflect student experiences during their time at Whitman College. In the case of seniors, the incident they report could have taken place as long as four years ago, or as recently as this year.

“I felt embarrassment and shame. I don’t want to be associated with a group or system that does those sorts of things,” said Tau Kappa Epsilon President Craig Yuen in reaction to this survey

“I was glad the information came out,” said Beta Theta Pi President Nick Blanc. “Now we can look at the data and know the truth instead of relying on rumors.”

“When the statistics came out, it didn’t seem like some people were concerned for our own safety. It was pretty disturbing,” said Blanc.

Blanc and Yuen believe that the fraternity system will be able to find solutions to a complex issue.
“Fraternities are in a unique position because they have a framework for enforcement that allows us to identify exactly what sexual harassment is and what factors are involved,” said IFC President Jeff Wilson.

“Each house has its own judicial procedure by which they make known and enforce their fraternity’s policies,” said Wilson.

“What’s most important is that we have an ongoing discussion,” said Yuen. “Often, guys behave in certain ways that make girls feel uncomfortable and they don’t even realize their behavior is inappropriate.”

“It would help to give greek women who feel violated an outlet in their sororities so they can get the information back to us,” said Yuen. “As it is now, sexual misconduct is reported on a strictly confidential basis, so our organization doesn’t hear about it.”

Associate Dean of Students and Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator Barbara Maxwell pointed out that even if fraternities do not receive information about specific incidents, this does not excuse them of their responsibility to take action. “There are two components to dealing with sexual misconduct, response and prevention or early intervention,” said Maxwell. “Whitman’s great at response, but we have to put more emphasis on prevention.”

Blanc hopes to put in measures that will increase vigilance by members within the house so they can recognize situations in advance and act accordingly. “The events happen, but we don’t see them,” said Blanc. “It’s our job to be there to stop it.”

Greek leaders acknowledge that one of the most important factors contributing to sexual misconduct is alcohol. Beta Theta Pi has created a new position within the house known as the Sober Social Chair. This officer will not only be responsible for holding dry social functions, but they will be present and sober at all functions where alcohol might be present so they can respond to potentially dangerous situations.

“The idea is that they can monitor the situation, as well as keeping an eye on traffic into living quarters,” said Blanc.

“Less alcohol at functions means that incidents of sexual misconduct might not be as extreme,” said Wilson. “It increases the chances that someone might intervene before the situation is out of control.”
However, Wilson points out that in a recent survey the IFC conducted on greek and independent women indicated that many women did not believe it was the fraternity’s responsibility to monitor how much their guests drink. Nevertheless, fraternities continue to try to find solutions to address the clear link between alcohol and sexual misconduct.

The IFC survey is part of a larger effort on the fraternity’s part to become a more open environment for all students. “It will let us know how we might change our atmosphere or change our culture so that more people feel comfortable in our houses,” said Wilson. “It’s our own survey, and tailored to the two groups Whitman’s survey indicated were most affected: greek men and women.”