Earlham CollegeGreek Life Summary

Written by Anna Benfield

Anna Benfield

Hometown

Takoma Park, Md.

Major

Women's Studies

View all previous student authors

You may not be fan of simplicity or consensus governance, but most students agree that the Quakers got it right when it came to community. One of the biggest reasons that people come to Earlham, or fall in love with it when they get here, is the strong and intimate community, which is achieved without the need for organizations named in Greek letters. In fact, most Earlhamites, faculty and students alike, see fraternities and sororities as a barrier to true, meaningful community. Students who want to get involved on campus will be swamped with clubs, sports teams, campus media, and student government groups who would all love to add another eager freshman to their ranks. Theme and friendship houses are an excellent way to get close to a group of peers with shared interests and commitments without dangerous hazing rituals or traditions that involve heavy drinking. Most EC students don't bemoan the loss of out-of-control frat parties either. Those who are into keggers and wild parties may be disappointed, but overall, students are glad that Earlham doesn't support Greek life and are pleased with the other opportunities it opens up. At Earlham, you're more likely to read about how fraternities are breeding grounds for rape than to hear complaints about their absence.