"In light of recent events, our goal is to make people understand how negative drugs are," Tyler Boden, president of the Junior Interfraternity Council, said in response to the drug bust that occurred early Tuesday morning at San Diego State. "The people that are associated with those events are not reflective of the Greek system."
With the arrest of 75 SDSU students and current suspension and investigation of six fraternities on campus, Boden said he is determined to combat the damaging backlash by advocating a strong, responsible and united reputation among the Greek community.
"After what happened, we're definitely going to be discussing ways that we can come together as fraternity members and promote a drug-free environment," Boden said.
He said several members of the Greek system are involved in developing programs that detract from negative stereotypes and endorse a positive image.
Representatives of the Interfraternity Council spent Tuesday and Wednesday tabling on campus to promote Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol, the council's latest program geared toward preventing alcohol-related incidents and crimes.
Aaron Kaufman, IFC director of public relations, said that because of the recent drug bust it would be beneficial for the program to branch out to all types of substance abuse.
"We're here to promote safety," Kaufman said. "I think the program is a valuable education tool not only for Greek members, but for all students at SDSU."
In order to get the new program off the ground, IFC risk manager David Wendell said the council is working closely with Student Health Services, Planned Parenthood and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Wendell said the IFC plans on speaking to Greek organizations at SDSU as well as visiting high schools in the county, distributing educational information and hosting events to spread alcohol awareness.
"We're taking a stand," Wendell said. "Our fraternities and sororities weren't created based on the idea of partying and drinking. We have a lot more to offer the community."
As for the Jr. IFC, Boden said they have several plans including further philanthropy work with the Wheelchair Foundation and rush week events such as a live concert that he hopes will encourage Greek unity.
The Jr. IFC, which was newly founded this semester and will become an official student organization next fall, is comprised of approximately 40 freshman and sophomore representatives from different fraternity chapters.
Boden said the council is part of an effort to train and prepare members to reflect leadership in the Greek community and implement progressive policy.
"It's not going to be an easy task, as Tuesday's events have shown," Boden said, "but I think the men of the IFC and Jr. IFC are capable of upholding our fraternity ideals."
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