Fraternities Cut Ties with Duke After University Creates New Restrictions

Duke University's Greek life could be on the outs after seven fraternities made the decision to disaffiliate from the university's Interfraternity Council, Duke Chronicle reported Tuesday. Two more organizations are waiting to hear from their national organizations before making a decision.

The individual decisions come after the university decided to prohibit potential new members from rushing until their sophomore year as part of an effort to revamp on-campus living situations and allow communities from East Campus to keep their groups together once students move onto West Campus. In the announcement, the university mentioned that Greek life would move away from its current building situation, and only allow juniors and seniors to live in their special dorms. The school also paused formal recruitment in spring 2021, keeping organizations from absorbing new members—and new wallets—for the current school year, preventing any pledges until fall 2021.

Duke didn't account for the fact that once you've got a core group of friends, or inch closer to turning 21, there isn't as much of a drive to join a culture focused on getting drunk underage and finding buddies.

“Understand that Duke does not wish for your organization to forgo recognition,” Mary Pat McMahon, the vice provost of student affairs, wrote in an email to members of the disaffiliating frats. “We value the core principles expressed in IFC groups that promote community, citizenship, and service and we are ready to engage your organization’s leaders to foster these ideals in all its members.”

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