Unfettered Letters

Don’t blame fraternity for death

William Olson (3/16, Letters) seems to blame the fraternity for the tragic death of University of Kansas student Jason Wren (3/11, Local, “Dad of dead student makes somber plea”). That is absurd. The members did not force this boy to drink. He made that choice.

We are all responsible for our own behavior. It seems that in the world we live in today, there is always someone or something else to blame for our actions. Jason’s father admitted that he suspected his son had a drinking problem. When he was kicked out of his dorm for drinking and other unspecified violations, the fraternity gave him a place to live. It is certainly possible this could have occurred in a dorm or an apartment.

I am tired of the negative image that is often portrayed of the Greek system. These students accomplish quite a lot. They give thousands of hours of service to the community. They raise money for their pet charities. The houses promote the ideals of responsibility, leadership, cooperation and academic achievement.

As the mother of two, I can only imagine what a devastating loss this is for the Wren family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bridget Brill
Mission Hills

Sorority ‘purge’ hurtful

With regard to “Purge reveals sorority’s ugly side; The Delta Zeta chapter at an Indiana university evicted 23 women who didn’t fit its image” (2/25, A-1): I was among the victims of a similar “purge” at the University of Kansas in the ’70s.
I was a member of an unpopular sorority, and our alumnae advisers were bent on improving our campus image. Instead of asking us to leave the chapter (they were in financial straits and needed our dues), at recruitment events — where attendance was mandatory — we “misfits” were asked to stay out of sight and not interact with the rushees.
The misfits elected me their representative to protest. I did. I was ignored by the alumnae.
It was a slap in the face from my “sisters”: not life altering, yet not forgotten. It provided me insights on snobbery, friendship and compassion that have enriched my life and instilled a preference for the company of men.
I frequently see those same alumnae on the society page of The Star, being praised for their charitable deeds. I chuckle.
I hope the young women at DePauw Delta Zeta will be able to laugh someday, too.
J. Wright
Overland Park