An incident of alleged sexual harassment at an annual philanthropy event was the “tipping point” for Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brandi Hephner Labanc, who met with Interfraternity Council executives and the presidents of every IFC fraternity at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
“For me, this weekend was a tipping point for, in general, poor behavior that I’ve seen coming out of our Greek community,” Hephner Labanc said. “So, it was a call to action. For me, it was an opportunity to say to them, ‘You all are leaders and it’s time to lead.’”
Hephner Labanc gave two tasks: to update policies and accountability measures in regards to all fraternity social and philanthropic events and to to host a summer summit with national and international office as well as advisers focused on identifying needed improvements in the fraternity community.
Hephner Labanc said the group needed the opportunity to refocus before the university took more drastic measures.
“I wanted to give our students the opportunity to step up and lead because I know they care very deeply about the experience,” she said. “I want them to come together and stop focusing on their differences and how one is better – the competition aspect – and come to gather as a community. And I think that is starting to happen.”
Hephner Labanc said the Derby Days incident was only the most recent evidence of a need for change.
“This was about what we’ve seen as it relates to alcohol, drugs, hazing, any sort of sexual misconduct, everything – in general, disappointing and bad behavior,” Hephner Labanc said. “I’m over statements. Statements are important. Training is important. But it’s the action and the implementation that I want to see. I’m not going to stand for something that doesn’t change.”
Will Walker, who began serving as IFC president in January and attended the meeting Wednesday, said he understands the need for and is excited to enact that change.
“The Derby Days incident definitely added to the urgency of the conversation. I think in that way, it got us all in that room,” Walker said. “Now we’re being called to build something. It’s a time of opportunity. I think that the administration is giving IFC a chance to show that we can align with the values that we’ve been preaching for years and years and have gotten away from.”
Walker said he wanted the council to focus more on preventative measures instead of only focusing on fixing existing situations. Looking forward, the biggest challenge Walker said he faces is ensuring that actual, tangible change.
“We have a shared vision in that room of leaders. In order for these policies to work effectively, it has to filter down. That’s the first hurdle,” Walker said. “Right now, everything in my mind is saying, ‘Fix it now.’ The truth is, we’re inspiring change in an organization that hasn’t changed for years. It might take a little bit of time.”
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