C-VILLE Weekly news intern Nicolette Gendron shares a byline with news editor Graelyn Brashear on the feature that hit stands last Wednesday, a close look at the gulf between fraternities and sororities when it comes to rules regarding alcohol and parties—something many Greek women see as sexist and potentially dangerous. As a fourth-year UVA student and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Nico’s insight into Greek life at the University was indispensable, and she talked with numerous fellow students in extensive interviews. We asked her to reflect on what it was like to tackle an issue she couldn’t help being close to, and what she hopes to see happen next.
When reflecting on the time I spent working on the feature on disparities in Greek life at UVA, one particular thought comes to mind: Opening up a dialogue is powerful. It makes for better quotes when interviewing subjects for an in-depth piece like this. But my experience interviewing extended beyond getting a quote that was juicy, controversial or insightful. When the recorder was turned off, people wanted to keep talking. They were no longer interview subjects, but fellow classmates, sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, friends. And I am one of them. For an extra thirty minutes or two hours, we engaged in conversations many had been waiting to have for their entire college careers. They were conversations I had been wanting to have for most of mine.
As fourth years, we have little to lose when speaking up. As one sorority member told me, giving her opinion on the issue did not mean she was championing for a complete change in Greek life and culture overnight. Instead, she was thinking ahead to when conversations regarding gender dynamics are unignorable and action has to be taken. She believed that conversations like the one we had—and the article itself—will be a building block for change in the future.
There are so many different ways to approach the issue of sexual assault and safety on college campuses across the country, and it’s hard know if one take is better than another. But we found some strong voices that offered perspective on the issue—voices you might not expect to speak up and take a stand, like fraternity brothers, social chairs and the national governing councils of Greek life.
I don’t know when I will again have the opportunity to investigate and report as a member of this culture that is often under scrutiny for its negative aspects. I consider myself lucky to have been a platform for the honest and empowered voices of UVA students and Greek members.
