Student life has continually come under scrutiny this year after changes to the rush and membership processes, the shift from commitment to new member orientation, and the suspension of one of the largest male fraternities, Galaxy.
With all the heat ACU Greek Life is having right now, you’d think they’d be careful to double down on the rules, especially when it comes to Galaxy’s suspension. But somehow, in the middle of it all, G*L*XY slipped through the cracks.
G*L*XY, a not-so-secret cover for Galaxy that has been created, hosted events, and even produced merchandise, seemingly under the noses of the administration.
As stated very clearly in the galaxy suspension terms, the group “will not have any orientation/engagement activities, and no new members will be added; no intramural teams, no participation in Sing Song, Grubs, Formals or other college events.
Although there is no recorded evidence of NMO activities, new members, or plans to be at Sing Song, photos of G*L*XY events have been posted on social media and students n have no problem sporting their new merchandise on campus.
The fact that the activities have a different name and take place off-campus should not hide the fact that the organization is publicly breaking the rules of suspending them.
In addition to breaking the terms of their suspension, the general attitude toward fraternity on campus has created problems among potential members this semester. About 98 men signed up to rush and join this spring, a small number compared to recent years. While there could be many reasons for the small number, one of them is that some freshmen are “waiting for Galaxy.”
By not respecting the strict sanctions imposed on the brotherhood, the attitude towards the events which had suspended them in the first place are not attitudes of aversion; On the contrary, students are excited about the potential for hazing, trespassing, and “destruction of private property,” as noted in the suspension details.
All of this begs two questions: is student life aware of what’s going on, and if so, why does Galaxy seem to be getting special treatment by turning a blind eye?
Just over two years prior to Galaxy’s suspension, the Sub-T 16 male fraternity was suspended indefinitely for the harm of a student at a club gathering. During their suspension, Sub-T 16 was virtually ostracized from the ACU community and the administration made sure to crush all public activities organized by the fraternity. During their suspension, the conditions were maintained with the severity with which Greek Life’s suspensions should be adhered to.
It’s one thing to follow a class of underground pledges, hold events in total secrecy, and get away with breaking the terms of suspension, but G*L*XY does it publicly.
No fraternity or sorority should be given special treatment in a circumstance of suspension, especially for violations of campus and state hazing policies. G*L*XY should be no exception to this rule.