Hello Fellow Alumni & Students, In an email sent days after the majority of students had vacated RPI campus for the semester, current RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson announced the creation of a "Greek Life Task Force". Shortly following this announcement, the Task Force detailed its plan for cancellation of all Fall 2018 rush activities, including any new member recruitment, a ban on alcohol at chapter houses, and a prohibition of alcohol at social events (including the dispatch of covert monitors by the administration to randomly spot-check fraternities for compliance). This policy comes in light of a recent trend of unacceptable behavior within the Greek community, including a sexual assault that took place at the Rensselaer Society of Engineers (RSE). The case in question brought forth criticisms of RPI's history of handling of 'Title IX' sexual assault cases, due to the schools potential readmission of the predator the following semester (Link to story below). RPI has had a tumultuous past when it comes to regulating its Greek Life system, including its efforts to provide preventative programs and a positive impact on chapter houses. For numerous semesters, the school operated without a Greek Dean, the administrator assigned to ensuring that fraternities and sororities remain safe for students. A sentiment remains on campus that the administration provides insufficient action and effort to sufficiently guide the positive culture of Greek life. Now, Jackson claims, steps must be taken to ensure that "Greek organizations fulfill their intended purpose within our community." The Interfraternity council (IFC) and Alumni representatives have voiced concern that the policies will have a stronger effect of destroying Greek Life than protecting it. Local news sources (below) are reporting that some within RPI Greek alumni community are indicating their intent to withhold donations in response to the Administration's actions. We encourage interested Alumni to reach out to their fellow Greek brothers & sisters, and to discuss recent events, and to form your own response to the RPI Administration's recent actions. Please see below for more info. https://www.reddit.com/r/RPI/comments/8qgh5i/rse_sexual_assault/ http://wnyt.com/investigates/greek-life-suspension-rpi-rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-troy-rensselaer-county/4956433/?cat=10114