I was extremely shocked and disheartened that, in the aftermath of two reported rapes on campus within the first week of school, the fraternity Sigma Chi chose “Principals and Schoolgirls” as the theme of its party this Saturday. Not only is it absurd that a college-educated woman should even be asked to dress and act like a little schoolgirl, but it is morally reprehensible and socially irresponsible for the members of this organization - part of the social scene which dictates the way a majority of men and women socialize on this campus - to promote a party at which people are expected to participate in the very gender/power inequities which encourage and lead to rape.

Yes, men and women alike choose to go to these parties, and it is absolutely their right to do so. But to anyone who would attempt to argue that these parties are "just for fun," I will say you are completely wrong. Events like these, and there have been many - "Rock Stars and Groupies," "CEOs and Business Hos"…the list goes on – indirectly but powerfully contribute to a climate and culture on this campus in which it is apparently OK in the minds of some men to force sex upon women. If rape continues to happen on this campus, more than we will ever know or see because so much of it goes unreported, then the Vanderbilt community is in deep trouble, and sexist costume parties like these are a part of the problem.

This problem, of course, is a huge, multi-faceted one which won’t be solved in a day. We cannot ban frat parties or ask women to keep an eye on their beverages and expect a culture of rape to magically disappear. It is a problem that takes many forms, in many different social institutions and situations, which are continually sanctioned by the school and student body. Rarely does anyone speak out, get angry or simply ask: why' Why do so many women feel like they have to sexualize themselves in a co-ed party setting' Why, and I’m speaking from experience, is it normal for a man to push a woman half his size against a wall and grind with her at a dance party' And why do men on our campus always call the shots – in terms of location, music, style and, of course, costume theme - when it comes to partying' Why in the world is it so uncommon for organizations of women to exercise control over events that play such a significant role in many students’ social lives' These questions should incite discussion, not just of gender inequities on our campus, but also of the power relations which both surround and structure them.

If we want to call ourselves a “community” and claim to support and protect each of our members, then we must begin asking questions and doing what we can to change the culture at this school which sanctions and rationalizes both gender inequality and violence against women. I think we need to start by turning critical attention to the people who organize and attend these events. I would expect that such undoubtedly intelligent students would be able to find more respectful and mature ways to socialize, and, if they believe that women should be respected at our university, then we should all expect them not to organize such offensive events. But, if social pressures or other choices urge them to continue doing so, then it should be demanded that they explain and justify to all members of the Vanderbilt community the reasons why this kind of party should be promoted by fraternities and the Greek system and tolerated by the rest of us.

Those in or outside the Greek system who choose not to attend these parties should work to create social spaces, organizations and events that are comfortable and equitable for both sexes (which doesn’t mean, of course, that they can’t be sexy and fun), and which absolutely refuse to condone any violent or disrespectful treatment of women.

Finally, each of us must assess the meaning and value of misogynistic social activities as a part of student life at Vanderbilt and fully consider their impact on all Greek and non-Greek members of this university community, as well as the impression they offer to those outside it. Vanderbilt is only as safe, equitable and reputable a place as we choose to make it, and we must actively and collectively make that choice if we want a better, safer school. I believe we, as a student body and community, are more than capable of doing so.