University of Virginia Library

Closed Parties

There seems to be some confusion about
the new closed party rule effected by the Inter-Fraternity
Council at its meeting Monday.
The rule does not, as it has been incorrectly
interpreted, bar independents from fraternity
parties. In order to get into such a party,
an independent, or for that matter anyone,
has only to have a friend in the house who
will sign him in at the door or even before
the party if possible. Thus an independent
need only to call his friend in a fraternity
before the party or ask for him at the door
in order to be admitted.

The purpose of the rule is merely to keep
unwanted guests, whether from within or without
the University, from attending parties
where they don't know anyone. This will
protect students ;from incidents such as the
unfortunate shooting which occurred two
years ago. The IFC passed the rule for Midwinters
on a trial basis because of a general
feeling that the old system of guest cards
was unsatisfactory.

We urge all fraternities to apply the new
system conscientiously this weekend in order
to illuminate its strengths and/or weaknesses.
At the same time, we urge fraternities to be
as obliging as they feel is reasonable in admitting
University guests to the parties.

R.B.G. Jr.