Although MSU’s greek community has improved its reputation dramatically during the past few years, it still has some hurdles to overcome.

Since 2001, the number of greeks with grade-point averages below 2.0 increased, one fraternity was shut down by its national organization for hazing and discrimination violations and two sororities closed their doors because of a lack of interest.

But while it might seem as though MSU greeks have fallen on hard times, the situation isn’t as bad as it seems.

Despite last year’s lower GPAs, greek grades have been on a steady rise during the past five years.

Although alcohol is a staple at many greek functions, as with many college social groups, the community isn’t perceived as the binge-drinking society it once was.

On another positive note, MSU greeks have put more of an emphasis on community-service projects. The system raised $1,000 more for charities during its Greek Week festivities in 2002 than it did in 2001 - another steadily improving statistic.

But perhaps the most noteworthy advancement the greek community has made is the disapproval of hazing and discrimination in its ranks.

In April, MSU’s greek system was quick to take action against Pi Kappa Phi when the fraternity’s members violated anti-hazing and anti-discrimination polices by sending members into the Mason and Abbot hall cafeterias wearing pink, sleeveless T-shirts with phrases such as “Capt. Gay Sex,” “I like little boys” and “Fag Hairstylist” written on them.

The fraternity’s national organization also took action against its MSU chapter, evicting all its members in May. The national organization will recolonize its MSU house this fall.

While all these efforts are positives for MSU’s greek community, it still needs to continue on the path it has taken. Hazing and discrimination problems will not go away after this year.

The system needs to continue promoting community service and acceptance in its ranks.