Fake frats have real consequences

Molly Christianson, Contributing Writer

The woman on the ground is barely conscious. A man stands over her, claiming she is OK, despite her slurring words and the fact that she cannot stand. A suspicious police officer questions him with raised eyebrows.

This is the scene I witnessed when I left my first frat party as a VCU freshman. It is safe to say the woman did not end up completely out of it all on her own. This is entirely unsurprising; fraternities are notorious for spiking people’s drinks. This experience was just a harsh reminder of that fact. 

When reviewing the various Greek life organizations that have been suspended for misconduct on VCU’s website, you will see it is composed almost entirely of fraternities, such as Pi Kappa Phi, now operating under the name “Rose Club,” and Phi Mu, which now goes by “The Collective RVA.” 

One of the most common reasons for these suspensions is “Abusive Conduct: Endangering Health or Safety.” It is not surprising that the vast majority of these suspensions are directly related to the notorious parties being thrown.

These terminations have not stopped many of these fraternities from operating — it simply prevents them from being recognized as official student organizations. 

When these groups throw their parties, people assume they are legitimate, unaware that the frat had been previously suspended for allegedly spiking partygoers. 

I conducted an informal poll in an Instagram group chat containing almost 200 female-identifying VCU students. 50% of them do not know whose frat party they are attending more than half of the time. This, combined with the lurking threat of these fake frats like “Rose Club” and “The Collective,” is a dangerous combination.

You tell yourself that not knowing whose party you are going to is not the end of the world. You are in college and just want to have fun. You probably go with your friends and say you will stay as alert as you can. You are all dancing, talking and getting distracted. 

Then someone slips something into your cup. It is not your fault, but it will affect you for a very long time. 

An anonymous comment left on the poll stated: “Not only did I get roofied, but no one from the school did anything about it.” 

VCU does try to protect its students in some ways. Last month, VCU sent out an email warning students about the suspended fraternities and the new names they operate under. Generally speaking, the school responds and assists when a catastrophic event occurs at a recognized organization. 

Four years ago, Adam Oakes, a pledge, died during a hazing incident at the off-campus Delta Chi house. VCU permanently banned Delta Chi from being a recognized organization, resulting in 11 fraternity brothers being indicted and the creation of “Adam’s Law.” 

Within the last week, a hazing incident occurred at Theta Chi, another unrecognized fraternity. VCU sent out another email on Oct. 7 to inform students of the allegations against the fraternity — physical battery, forced alcohol consumption and more. The previously mentioned poll supports that none of this is particularly surprising to hear, which should be concerning.

In the emails the school sends out cautioning against unrecognized fraternities, they make sure to mention the group in question is not a recognized part of VCU. 

When VCU fails to enforce the suspension of unrecognized fraternities, it creates a significant gap in accountability and support. When an incident occurs at a non-recognized organization off-campus, the school has limited legal obligations to act. While the threat of these “fake frats” is not necessarily the university’s fault, the absence of school support can make the victims feel more vulnerable and powerless. 

As Halloween approaches, parties will become more frequent. Please do not blindly attend these functions and simply hope for the best. Find out what frat is throwing the party. Do a quick Google search on their chapter at VCU and see what you find. Reddit is your best resource — news outlets don’t cover a lot of the “smaller” time incidents.

Ultimately, you need to know whose party you are attending. Be conscious of your surroundings when in unfamiliar spaces surrounded by strangers. Awareness is your best defense against tragedy.