Letter: Greek community speaks up

Students and Staff of the University of Montana:

On Jan. 26, 2012, a letter was written to the editors of the Kaimin concerning the job performance of Campus Safety here at the University. This letter also mentioned fraternities taking part in illegal activities last year. This letter did not go unnoticed by the Greek community, and the Panhellenic and Interfraternal Councils acknowledge the thoughts that were expressed.

The members of these respective chapters made the decision during some point of their college careers to be a part of something bigger than them: joining the collective effort to better their organization, their house and the university they attend. Many of these men strive for involvement within the student senate and various advocacy programs, as well as showing their support for events that raise awareness of the issue of sexual violence, such as Walk A Mile In Her Shoes and Take Back the Night.

In conjunction with the fraternal community, the four sororities also recognize that all accusations made concerning sexual violence should always be taken seriously. We fully support President Engstrom and the University's initiatives to guarantee a safer campus for all those who choose to attend.

The men and women who make up the Greek community share one characteristic that binds us with everyone else who attends this university: we are students. We are driven, enterprising young adults who are striving toward an unrivaled future of professional success, community involvement, and a positive well-being. We have taken this as a time to reflect on ourselves and learn how we can move forward in the Greek community to contribute to the overall success of the University of Montana.

Sincerely,

Brittani Johnson, President of the Panhellenic Council of the University of Montana

Richard LeCoultre, President of the Interfraternity Council of the University of Montana