After reading two articles on the course that the University should take in regard to Greek life (Forum, Sept. 22), I felt compelled to respond. First, let me introduce who I am as it is pertinent to this issue. I am a proud brother of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. I also have visible cerebral palsy, which affects both my speech and walk. The issue of Greek life here has been exhausted and void of the voice of Greek life itself. I find remarkable the number of people I hear vehemently criticizing the Greek system that would probably have nothing to do on weekends without it. It's easy to hold us up as an example of depravity, but we do not hurt anyone. With friends in all seven of Brandeis' organizations, I can safely say that if someone would benefit from being involved in Greek life, he or she is able to enter. The exclusivity of our organizations has been unfairly demonized. It is the nature of groups to accept complementary people.

I felt an obligation to write this because I feel that I am a prime example of the depth our Greek system has. Will everyone fit in? No. But that is the nature of human social practices. There are social groups on campus where I would not fit in and might be excluded from because of my beliefs and interests. I have found a group of people I share the connection of social norms with, and I think it is unfair that we are under attack for that. In a school that prides itself on accepting students that come from all walks of life, people should not be insulting and accusing institutions that provide a number of students a safe and comfortable zone to be themselves.

-David Wayne '12