Professor Syrett does a very good job of putting fraternity behavior in historical and cultural context. This piece is a must-read for anyone doing prevention work.

My thanks to Amy Benfer of the Broadsheet at Salon.com for bringing this article to my attention (and for offering a very good overview of the salient points).

The Sigma Chi fraternity has placed itself on a form of social probation amid a controversial investigation into at least one sexual assault that allegedly took place at its Langdon Street house last October.

Our thanks to this brave victim who has brought her experience to light, enabling her to connect with other victims and get the ball rolling on legitimate criminal investigation.

Let’s hope that Michael Dunn, executive director of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, is earnest when he told the Herald that they are “taking the allegations very seriously and is cooperating with both UW and police.”

Let’s also hope that beyond the legal considerations, the IFC at UW will take more decisive action to increase prevention education in their frat and on the UW campus as a whole.