Greek life at Lasell University: Do we want it on our campus, yes or no? Sororities and fraternities are a significant part of campus culture at many other colleges, offering members opportunities to engage in community service, leadership roles, and networking events. The values of these organizations are what we are considering and have formed the question we are asking today. Lasell University does not currently have sororities or fraternities on campus, and never has, but can that change in the future? Would our campus benefit from the addition of Greek life?
Yes
Greek life can provide a strong sense of belonging and a group of friends that can last a lifetime. You can gain connections you could not have gained without Greek life, and these connections can lead to job and internship opportunities down the line.
“There are also tons of chances to step up as a leader, do meaningful philanthropy work, and build networks that can help after graduation. It’s such a great thing to be a part of overall, and in my experience, it’s always been filled with positivity!” said Ava Colvin, Member of Alpha Delta PI at URI, when asked about her experience with Greek life.
Lasell is very community-oriented, with dorms located in the center of a town. These groups are known for organizing community-focused events and fundraisers, which could only benefit Lasell. We have a very tight-knit school, and incorporating Greek life would only enhance that sense of community, allowing people to form connections on the first day and maintain them throughout their four years and beyond.
Since you live with your sorority and/or fraternity on campus, this can become a consistent form of support for members. I believe Greek life would be an excellent addition to our already close-knit community.
No
Greek life is portrayed in the media as the coolest and best thing you can do during your college years, but what they often don’t show is that there is a very dark side to the high of Greek life on a college campus. From drug and alcohol abuse to hazing rituals that can result in physical and emotional harm, and in the worst cases, death.
At least 334 young people have lost their lives to hazing in the United States since 1838, with 123 recorded hazing deaths just since 2000, according to data available at HazingInfo.org.
Not only can Greek life be harmful to the people involved, but being in Greek life is essentially paying for a group of friends. A group of friends that are usually toxic and don’t actually care about you, but “have to” because you’re sorority sisters or fraternity brothers. This often creates really toxic friend groups that don’t last beyond college.
Another downside to Greek life is the dues owed to your sorority.
“The downsides are mostly that it can be expensive, but there is plenty in place to help with expenses.” said Ava Colvin, a member of Alpha Delta PI at URI.
Considering Lasell has just announced its tuition commitment, having a Greek life community on campus would, in a way, negate that promise by requiring people to pay dues. So, no, we do not think Greek life belongs at Lasell; it might end up doing more harm than good.
–Oct. 7, 2025–
