All is Quiet on Greek Row in Temporary Party Ban
A temporary ban has been put on parties along USC's fraternity row, although the ban is not coming from the university's administration but from within the Greek organizations themselves.
Presidents of each fraternity and sorority on West 28th Street voluntarily postponed social events both on and off campus for the next three weeks, in an acknowledgement to university officials that Greek organizations are serious about student safety.
Thus far in September, USC has reported 21 hospital transports compared to just 14 during the entire month of September 2011, and officials worry that student parties have grown out of control.
"We've noticed an uptake in alcohol-related transports and by this I mean students are so intoxicated that they go from being drunk to being a medical emergency and it requires attention by paramedics and transport to the hospital," said Captain David Carlisle of USC's Department of Public Safety.
Students have questioned whether a ban is the most effective method to promote safety, and they also note that the quality of student life will diminish.
"Now that this ban thing is going on, literally nothing can happen at the house and it's hard times to have fun at USC right now," said fraternity member Alex Jones.
"You have to assume that once this becomes widespread that people will go elsewhere to party, Greek people included," said Colby Audette.
Fraternities are required to cancel all events until October 7th.