2008 Woodie Awards
Rush T-shirts spur controversy
Dean, Caitlin
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: News
See students question Dick.
Sigma Phi Epsilon's parody of the popular "Dick and Jane" readers for children on its spring recruitment shirts might have offended some students. The shirts read "See Dick go to college," "See Dick rush," "See Dick join Sig Ep," "See girls love Sig Ep Dick" under four pictures printed on the back, according to a statement released by the fraternity.
Although it appears the fraternity will face no repercussions from the University for this design, the shirts have caught the attention of students and have spurred conversation around campus.
Sig Ep president Ryan Farrar declined to comment.
Beth Tuttle, director of Greek life, conferences and special events, said all campus organizations, from Spanish clubs to fraternities, are responsible to uphold a student organizational code of conduct.
Sig Ep is not in trouble with the University under this code, she said.
"If it was an actual University violation, then the conduct office here would take care of that situation," Tuttle said.
Tuttle said this situation is difficult because students cannot be told what they can and cannot wear.
"I think it's a question of what you consider to be poor taste, and I think that is a very hard thing to define," she said. "It's just up to that particular group of men what they decide to do."
Martin Jayne, associate professor of justice systems and adviser to the Interfraternity Council, said those unfamiliar with specific Greek organizations might see the shirts and associate them with the entire Greek population.
"I was disappointed in the shirts, particularly in the image overall of the Greek community," he said. "I just don't think that's an appropriate image for us."
At a recent meeting, the Panhellenic Council read a statement to the IFC about its view on the shirts. The IFC then opened the floor for discussion of the issue, Jayne said.
"There wasn't any discussion, so that's as far as it went," he said. "Nobody discussed the propriety of the shirt beyond the [Panhellenic] statement."
Sigma Phi Epsilon's parody of the popular "Dick and Jane" readers for children on its spring recruitment shirts might have offended some students. The shirts read "See Dick go to college," "See Dick rush," "See Dick join Sig Ep," "See girls love Sig Ep Dick" under four pictures printed on the back, according to a statement released by the fraternity.
Although it appears the fraternity will face no repercussions from the University for this design, the shirts have caught the attention of students and have spurred conversation around campus.
Sig Ep president Ryan Farrar declined to comment.
Beth Tuttle, director of Greek life, conferences and special events, said all campus organizations, from Spanish clubs to fraternities, are responsible to uphold a student organizational code of conduct.
Sig Ep is not in trouble with the University under this code, she said.
"If it was an actual University violation, then the conduct office here would take care of that situation," Tuttle said.
Tuttle said this situation is difficult because students cannot be told what they can and cannot wear.
"I think it's a question of what you consider to be poor taste, and I think that is a very hard thing to define," she said. "It's just up to that particular group of men what they decide to do."
Martin Jayne, associate professor of justice systems and adviser to the Interfraternity Council, said those unfamiliar with specific Greek organizations might see the shirts and associate them with the entire Greek population.
"I was disappointed in the shirts, particularly in the image overall of the Greek community," he said. "I just don't think that's an appropriate image for us."
At a recent meeting, the Panhellenic Council read a statement to the IFC about its view on the shirts. The IFC then opened the floor for discussion of the issue, Jayne said.
"There wasn't any discussion, so that's as far as it went," he said. "Nobody discussed the propriety of the shirt beyond the [Panhellenic] statement."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Mike
posted 2/14/08 @ 7:49 AM CST
I liked my stereotypical 1980s fraternity, party on.
Patrick
posted 2/14/08 @ 11:38 AM CST
As an alum and former fraternity member, I am really wondering why this article was even printed. Is this really a newsworthy story on any level? It seems to be a better topic for an editorial piece if anyone is really that upset by the shirts (which does not seem to be the case from the quotes in the story with the exception of Mr. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 2/14/08 @ 1:38 PM CST
If the t-shirts help attract members then it worked. If it was offensive and turned away potential members then it failed. If you like it you buy it. If you don't you won't. (Continued…)
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