Staff Editorial: Sororities have the right to housing

Pop quiz: Why don't sororities at Duke have on-campus housing? Despite many prevailing myths, the answer is simple--they have never requested it.

However, that could be changing in the near future, as the Panhellenic Council has begun exploring the possibility of establishing a residential system for the University's female greek population. Several experimental models are being considered, with the principle focus being on fraternity-style dorm sections or the expansion of the current blocking system. Regardless of the specific plan implemented, adding a residential component to sorority life will have profound effects on the greek community itself and on the rest of the student population.

Foremost, sororities have a right to request housing from the University. They should be able to apply through the same channels utilized by fraternities and selective houses. Sororities with legitimate national charters and University recognition have just as much claim to University rooms and commons areas as do other groups. Yet, while sororities have the right to apply, the University reserves the right to assign housing as it sees fit, and can deny female greek organizations on-campus sections or blocks.

There are a variety of arguments for and against the addition of a residential component. One obvious positive effect would be the greater sense of community that would be fostered amongst the members of the sorority who lived together. Many female students complain that sororities, because they lack a residential option, function more as social clubs than as truly committed sisterhoods. This is especially evident when contrasted with Duke's fraternities, which create strong bonds and extremely close friendships, many of which are formed as a result of individuals living their daily lives in close proximity to their brothers.

On-campus housing could also have adverse effects on the sorority system. Some female students like the fact that sororities provide consistent social options, but do not force them to abandon their independent friends as room or blockmates. Further, for better or worse, adding a housing component might force sororities to extend the rush process beyond its current format. The process of picking people you want to socialize with is often very different from the process of selecting people you want to live with. Sororities might be forced to adopt a longer rush process similar to that of fraternities and selective houses.

Before any final decisions are made, officials must continue to solicit input from greek and independent students alike. Granting sororities large dorm sections, or even larger blocks, will displace independents and dramatically affect on-campus social culture. The University must consider how this would affect the recently established independent corridor, as well as the fact that sororities would reasonably be expected to throw their own parties, mixers or social events in their living spaces.

Should sorority officials decide that housing is in their best interest, they should apply for space oncampus. The sum effects of such a move on University life is not yet known, but officials should take such a request seriously, and evaluate the consequences with care.