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Daily Camera, The (Boulder, CO) March 26, 2005 Bailey`s family backs delayed rush Fraternities still haven`t announced whether they will sign on to plan Author: Brittany Anas Camera Staff Writer Section: News Page: A05 Article Text: The parents of a freshman fraternity pledge who died of alcohol poisoning last fall sent a letter this month to University of Colorado officials, thanking them for new rules for Greek organizations. By the end of April, fraternities and sororities that want to remain affiliated with CU must agree to the rules, which include deferred rush and hiring a full-time staff member to live in the Greek houses. CU proposed the reforms after Lynn Gordon "Gordie" Bailey Jr. was found dead in September at the Chi Psi fraternity mansion. The fraternity has since closed. Bailey, along with fraternity members and fellow pledges, took part in an alcohol-fueled mountain ritual the night before his body was found. Michael Lanahan, Bailey`s stepfather, sent a letter dated March 16 to the CU Board of Regents telling them about "The Gordie Foundation" set up by his family. It also expresses approval of the new rules. "Our family has experienced an incredible tragedy with the loss of Gordie; a loss we feel was preventable," the letter says. "To prevent future tragedies students and parents must be educated about the dangers of alcohol. We have created The Gordie Found! ation with that goal. "Policies dictating responsible behavior must also be in place with consequences for violations." Lanahan also wrote in the letter that it will take "strong leadership" to make the changes in the Greek system. The agreement put before CU fraternities and sororities also prohibits any form of hazing or alcohol use during new-member events. Sororities have expressed to CU`s Greek Affairs Office that they will sign on to the reforms, but fraternities have not yet indicated they will make the same commitment. CU set an April 29 deadline for the Greek organizations to sign on to the rules. The North American Interfraternity Conference, an umbrella group for fraternities, will hold out on announcing its decision until next month, said Jon Williamson, the organization`s vice president. "We`ve been having ongoing meetings, and we`re going to respect the April 29th deadline," Williamson said on Wednesday. Williamson sai! d fraternity leaders do not see the value in deferred rush, which woul d require freshmen to wait until the spring semester before pledging a house. CU Regent Pat Hayes said the board supports deferred rush. "Students will be six months older and have the time to adapt to the university climate," Hayes said. "They will have more time to figure out where they want to be and who they want to associate with." Contact Camera Staff Writer Brittany Anas at (303) 473-1132 or anasb@dailycamera.com. Copyright, 2005, The Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo. Record Number: 1092695B118EF6F7 |