By Garrett Teal

The greek system at the University of Alabama is certainly a unique one. And by unique, I mostly mean controversial. How fair is it that these sisterhoods subdue nearly 2,000 young girls every August before college even begins? By the time they start hearing the negativity toward the greek system, they’ve already developed a bias.

Furthermore, they haven’t even had a chance to experience college or pursue their interests. Their lives for the next few months are completely focused on initiation. Multiple times this semester plans with friends in sororities have fallen through. They say they’re busy and that they will have more time after they’re initiated.

Requiring girls to have at least a semester at UA under their belt before they go after a bid would benefit this university, and more importantly, each and every one of these young ladies. I’m confident that after being exposed to sororities from the outside looking in for a few months, many of them will lose interest. Either way, it’s not right that they don’t have the opportunity to see greek life from both sides of the spectrum.

And to those sorority girls who think I’m out of my mind for writing this: what is it that you don’t like about this idea? Does it worry you? Are you scared that you’re numbers would decline? If so, I think that should really raise some flags. If the greek system is everything we say it is, there should be no major change in the number of girls rushing.

I understand why girls want to go greek, and there are plenty of great reasons to do so. But the system is flawed in several ways, and that needs to be addressed. Starting with rush.

Garrett Teal is a freshman majoring in finance and economics.