FRATERNITIES PROBED

When we say that Dartmouth men are becoming more socially minded and more mentally alert we do not offer as our proof the constant talk and illusory ideals of campus radicals who weekly form clubs for the abolition of war, of dictatorship, of capitalism, etc., nor do we point to the organization of the Middle Fayerweather "Huey Long Club," for the policies of both of these groups preclude any sane and careful approach to the questions involved. Rather, we point to the increased interest throughout the campus in affairs of national and international importance, to the phenomenal rise (over 100% the past year) in metropolitan newspaper circulation in Hanover, to the active interest taken in the College Peace Poll, and to the careful and able prospectus levelled at current problems in the editorial columns of The Dartmouth.

Long before the appointment of the committee to study the fraternity situation, there had been a growing realization among the local brothers in Greek bond that conditions were not as they should be. Fraternity spirit was low, ritual and tradition were seldom taken seriously, chapter duties were performed reluctantly, and all those old ideals which formerly bound brothers together were gradually being forgotten. Should fraternities at Dartmouth be abolished? Should they be turned into local clubs? Or should attempts be made for their revitalization? The committee, composed of an able and impartial group of undergraduates; faculty members, and alumni, began an intensive study of the entire question. Comprehensive questionnaires were given to fraternity men, non-fraternity men, freshman, fraternity advisors, and faculty members. The committee sent for information from national chapters and from other colleges, and sub-committees went to investigate conditions at chapters elsewhere. Although the members of the committee have held numerous meetings and have pushed their work, they are only now tabulating all of their data. This collection of information must be carefully considered before opinions can be formulated or recommendations made, but the committee is hopeful that some report will be forthcoming before the end of the school year. It is difficult to speculate now whether minor or major changes will be recommended, but it is hoped by all that successful steps can be taken to utilize more fully the social potentialities at hand. With the event of the committee and its study, it is important to note that there has been increased activity and spirit shown on the part of many of the local chapters.