Preventing Unrecognized Former Greek Organizations Discussion April 16

April 06, 2004

PLATTSBURGH, NY __ An open discussion on what can be done to prevent unrecognized former Greek organizations from continuing to exist at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh will be held on Friday, April 16 at 12 p.m. in the Plattsburgh Room of Angell College Center. The forum, which is open to members of the campus and community, will solicit feedback about additional practices that can be developed to rid the former Greek organizations from the campus and the city.

Allison Swick-Duttine, coordinator of the Center for Greek Affairs and Leadership Development, said this is a major effort by students and staff at Plattsburgh State and the Plattsburgh community to jointly deal with unrecognized former Greek organizations.

"Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that exemplify the principles of friendship, scholarship, leadership and service," Swick-Duttine said. "Unrecognized groups were closed for dangerous behaviors contrary to their values and principles, including hazing, selling alcohol, serving to minors and drug sales.

"This continued behavior has a negative impact on not only our fraternity/sorority community, but the entire campus and the City of Plattsburgh. Plattsburgh State has taken numerous actions to rid our community of these organizations, but the fact that these groups continue to exist proves that collective brainstorming by campus and community constituents is necessary."

A number of guests have been invited including: Dr. John Clark, Interim President; Dr. Robert Golden, provost and vice president for academic affairs; William Laundry, interim vice president for student affairs and enrollment management; Dan Stewart, mayor of the City of Plattsburgh; Desmond Racicot, chief of Plattsburgh City Police; Mike LaJoy, Plattsburgh City Police Lieutenant; Arlene Sabo, chief of University Police; Jerry Lottie, assistant chief of University Police; Dawn Marie Turner, president of FAIR (For All Interested Residents); Michael Harrington, Student Association president; Cheryl Decker, Panhellenic Council president; and Pat Parker, Interfraternity Council president.

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