Today marks the two-month anniversary of Purdue's initial push to completely remove its Greek system with the final closings of several chapters and now, we can see the effect that this mandate has had on campus. Large houses all around Purdue, formerly operated by large student social organizations, seem to follow the trend of three outcomes: they are transformed into unnecessary university buildings, become strange boarding houses, or most likely remain void except for squatters who now call the mansions their home.

This all began just two years ago when Purdue’s Interfraterity Council ironically began to pass strict by-law revisions much to the confusion of the members it serves to protect. New policies like second checks for social functions and strict punishments for any events IFC deems unregistered, have caused a downward spiral of the Greek system and have soured the university's view of Greeks in general.

Because of Purdue’s rather small bar scene for such a large student body, there has been an uprising of secret underground social organizations which hold “house parties” largely unknown to the University or campus police. These organizations have caused a drastic increase in hospital visits due to alcohol poisoning, sexual assault and rape cases, and hard drug distribution and use. Proponents of the former Greek system say because fraternities and sororities previously had a reputation to uphold, as well as people looking out for each other, these terrible occasions were held to a minimum. In addition, enrollment at Purdue has declined for the first time in nearly 25 years while a study shows that the two highest responses of Purdue’s turn-offs for prospective students were “a lack of social life” and “a worry of campus safety."

Aside from social disengagement the community has also seen: a massive decline in philanthropic fundraisers and service hours, less effective student leaders upon graduation, and a lower job placement percentage for nearly all majors. Employees blame a lack of personality from Purdue students and one company rep event went as far to say, “Don’t these kids rage?”

In unrelated stories Purdue’s depression and suicide rates have skyrocketed in the past month and many locally owned liquor stores have shut their doors due to a lack of business.

Despite all of these negatives, Purdue officials can take away the positives from the dreaded Greek System that has created such a burden to the community, and all of its baggage is now nearly gone from recent memories. Boiler Up?