First, I would like to state that I was not in a fraternity at U.Va. I knew SPE brothers during my time at the University, but anyone who knows me would say that I had a very diverse social circle.\nYes, SPE would throw bottles off of their roof, break things, cause a ruckus, and liked to fight a lot. But that is not the reason that they lost their charter; they lost their charter because they didn't go to high school at Woodberry Forrest or Porter Gaud or Hotchkiss or Deerfield or Choate or Montgomery Bell, etc.
I can think of at least five incidents during my time at U.Va. that I would judge as significantly worse than this. Does anyone else remember "pill/line?" I believe that one of the CD's opinion writers should write a piece comparing fraternity incidents over the past 10 years with the affiliation of various BOV members. They probably would notice some interesting coincidences. Yes, SPE was rowdy; but there are many rowdy fraternities at U.Va. Rowdy drunken behavior is endemic to a very embedded culture at U.Va. of tradition.
I think to most people with an open mind, the University's actions in this case are highly suspect. The thing that bothers me is that I'm sure the majority of the University's community will not recognize the hypocrisy that is so blatant here.
The way that I see it, SPE didn't fit the image that U.Va. is trying to portray (for donor reasons, I presume) and they had no alumni on the BOV, so the University made it their mission to kick SPE off of grounds. The usurious actions of SPE's Nationals coupled with donor pressure ensured SPE's demise.
I wish to reiterate, however, that this is just my opinion. Also, I have nothing against private schools. I simply dislike such horrendous hypocrisy.
Thomas Pine\nCLAS '09
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