I think it is pretty safe to say that, 99 times out of 100, making blanket statements is indicative of ignorance. The one time it is not is when someone makes a blanket statement regarding the ignorance of blanket statements.

All jokes aside, the blanket statement made regarding the fraternity formally known as Pi Kappa Alpha couldn’t have been more ignorant. My problem with Mr. Gartland’s piece was twofold: 1. all encompassing statements about one group, based on a few individuals, and 2. attributing sophomoric behavior only to Greeks, and specifically the Pikes.

First off, I think it is apparent that the Pikes are aware that they made some mistakes regarding Saint Louis University disciplinary procedures. But, after they were kicked off campus, I highly doubt it is necessary to kick them while they are down. Let it be known, I am not a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, but I do have friends within that fraternity, and their dismay over the printed ignorance was apparent.

I am sure that some of Mr. Gartland’s accusations are true, but it troubles me that, in researching his Jonathan Swift rip off, he neglected to mention any of the good that the Pikes and all Greeks take part in. In my tenure here, I have seen the following from the Pikes: an SGA president, several Oriflamme executive board members, presidential scholars, pre-med scholars, thousands of dollars raised for philanthropy and countless hours of community service. Not to mention they have a pretty strong hand in the always entertaining annual ISA Indian show.

Repeated, I am sure that to some extent that Mr. Gartland’s accusations of the Pikes’ actions were true, but can he honestly believe that type of behavior is committed only by the Pikes? Has Mr. Gartland committed no evil? Ever? Not once while in college?

He said that someone urinated on his door as a drunken bet. I was speaking with a friend last night, and he told me that he has done the same thing, and he is not Greek. So, clearly, urinating on doors is allowed even if you have not taken the Pi Kappa Alpha oath.

I understand points are to be made, and so you can excuse some of the facts. However, negative stereotyping of Greeks has gone on far too long. The only difference between a Greek and the average student is that we part of a group that gets blamed for immature behavior. I have a feeling that members of the swim team, APO, KSLU and every other group on campus provide alcohol to their younger members; however, with Greeks, we have to be accountable.

Further, I have been to Humphrey’s and Laclede’s a few times in my days here, and I can attest that it is not just the Pikes or Greeks “who don’t stand for any girl not getting creeped on at a party.”

A lot of good work and valuable camaraderie was lost when the Pikes were told they could not return to SLU until 2012. The University will feel their loss next year. Mr. Gartland was right when he said that the Pikes don’t give Greeks a bad name. Closed-minded people who are trying to fill agendas give Greeks a bad name.

Your point, albeit not a good or educated one, was made. Ignorance is bliss, Mr. Gartland, and I am glad four years of higher education have left you mired in that state.

Tom Delaney is a senior in the John Cook School of Business.