If you’ve been keeping up with current events this week, you would have come across the scandal surrounding the University of the Philippines fraternity Upsilon Sigma Phi. On Twitter, messages were leaked showing conversations between alleged members of the frat. And, sadly, the content was wrong on so many levels. They spoke against women, the LGBTQ+ community, and Muslims just to name a few.
Since then, the fraternity and university have finally spoken up about the issue. In Upsilon’s statement, they talked about how they are very disappointed in what has been leaked and will start an investigation. “We have conducted an initial investigation on the matter, and we will relay to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) all information at our disposal.” They also went on to defend themselves, “In our 100 years of existence as the oldest fraternity in Asia, our members have fought hand in hand with UP students for the rights of women, LGBTQIA+, Lumads, Muslims, and other oppressed sectors.” If that is the case, those messages should never have been sent. Those men should’ve known better than to speak with such a gross and misogynistic tone. The statement was find until they said, “It appears that there is a concerned effort to besmirch the reputation of our Fraternity during this momentous celebration.” Please, this is way more important than your reputation right now.
https://www.facebook.com/upsilonsigmaphi/photos/pb.200221643356497.-2207520000.1542945673./2147249488653693/?type=3&theater
The president of UP Danilo Concepcion also released his own message. As someone who was part of the fraternity, he was saddened by the news, “They do not represent what we have stood for all these years, as they bring us back to the darkness rather than the light.” He went on to say that there will be no special treatment. “I will not protect any fraternity brother who may be found culpable of these kinds of offensive acts… The long-held excuse that ‘Boys will be boys’ can no longer hold. We will not tolerate misogyny, sexual harassment, and bullying or any form of violence against women and other groups in this University.”
Now, I am glad that this is how they are approaching this. However, maybe we fail to see the true problem, which is the fraternity itself. Sure, their purpose may be brotherhood but it seems like they just perpetuate rape culture, discrimination, misogyny, and violence. There are so many issues surrounding fraternities that maybe we should just get rid of them if no good comes from it. That’s my opinion and you’re free to convince me otherwise but many aren’t happy with what’s been going on.
Photo courtesy of Pexels
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