Is It Time to Rethink Fraternities?
ITHACA, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: The fraternity house at the center of a rape allegation stands on the campus of Cornell University on September 30, 2026, in Ithaca, New York. A New York state attorney general has announced a review of the school’s initial response to allegations from a former Cornell University student about being raped at a campus fraternity in 2024. The student, who is only being identified as Jane Doe, has alleged she was drugged and gang-raped inside the Chi Phi frat house on the night of October 19, 2024 house in 2024. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Fraternities and sororities – but mostly fraternities – have faced decades of scandal nationwide: hazing deaths, binge drinking, sexual assault, among other problems. Colleges respond with suspensions, alcohol bans and reforms, yet problems keep resurfacing like the recent allegation of a gang rape by fraternity members at Cornell. Members and alumni argue that frats and sororities offer friendship and connection that are vital in an age of loneliness. But others contend colleges should just ban Greek life.
Guests:
- Doug Belkin, higher education and national reporter, The Wall Street Journal
- Jana Mathews, English professor, Rollins College, author, “The Benefits of Friends: Inside the Complicated World of Sororities and Fraternities”
- Max Marshall, author, “Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story”
- Nicholas Syrett, chair and professor, Gender & Women’s Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison; author, “The Company He Keeps: A History of White College Fraternities”