Fraternities often give off a bad image in the eyes of universities, parents and basically the majority of society. Viewed by many as hardcore partiers with no regard for academics, fraternity members have an obligation to hold themselves to a higher standard and resonate the characteristics of which we want to define ourselves and Greek life as a whole. Despite all the effort put forth by fraternities, sexual assault accusations and cases within Greek life have the ability to destroy the positive reputation we work so hard to achieve. 

It is obvious that sexual assault cases are an issue within not only Greek life, but also at universities in general. In order to take a step in the right direction, the fraternities of the Interfraternity Council here at IU took a stand against sexual assault. The chapters took on the challenge of working proactively to decrease the number of sexual assault cases within our community - 21 statements from 21 different fraternities were released, getting attention from the Huffington Post for their respectable efforts on this matter. 

The statements from each chapter declares that they are taking preemptive efforts and disciplinary actions to prevent sexual assault and, if need be, hold their brothers accountable for their actions. The goal of every fraternity is to ensure the safety and comfortability of anyone encountered by one of its members. Chapters are taking actions to make sure brothers are well educated on the subject of sexual assault in hopes of preventing any and all sexual assault cases. 

With such a large campus and Greek community, history suggests that there are bound to be a few slip-ups during this movement against sexual assault. That being said, the statements from each chapter is a good first step forward in order to prevent sexual assault on our campus. The gentlemen of each fraternity are making conscious efforts to do their part in this movement. 

Greek life has been the target of negative media when it comes to alcohol, drugs and sexual assault. The IFC chapters of IU have made an effective start to portraying what we know fraternity life as. We are a group of gentlemen holding ourselves and each other to higher standards in our lives, based on values we hold near and dear to our hearts. As a community with a history of negative stereotypes, we as fraternity men need to continue to work diligently toward changing society's perception, taking more steps like this one.