By Nicole DeJacimo, Content Producer
Shortly after the College’s town hall, students stood outside of Servo with signs calling for Greek Life to be held more accountable on campus. The protest was held due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases on campus and general misconduct.
Organized mostly by members of Humor House, and joined by a small group of first-years, nearly a dozen students protested how the administration conducted yesterday’s Town Hall. Their sentiments: that it felt scripted and left students without the answers they needed.
Oskar Wilander ‘21 explained their concerns. “We were disappointed with the town hall and wish that the administration would stop beating around the bush,” Wilander said in reference to the College not pointing fingers at any particular group of students. He hopes that in the future, the administration will hold all of Greek Life accountable.
First-Years, protest outside of Servo. (From left to right: Arlett Diaz ’24, Kimaya Pitts ’24, Jersia Pimenteo ’24, and Kya Bonner ’24.) (Photo by Nicole DeJacimo.)
Other students questioned what the role of Gettysburg’s Department of Public Safety is if it is not to protect the student’s by policing parties and other events where COVID-19 protocols may be violated.
“I’ve seen DPS pass by parties and big groups of people and not do anything,” Jersia Pimente ‘24 said. Pimente, along with three additional first-year students, saw the protest and decided to join the cause out of frustration towards the administration and DPS.
Humor House members protest outside of Servo. (From left to right: Roisin Daly ’23, Kyle Beatty ’23, Garrett Adams ’22, Christian DeMusis ’21) (Photo by Nicole DeJacimo.)
Kyle Beatty ‘23 held a sign that specifically called for the removal of Phi Gamma Delta, otherwise known as FIJI.
“FIJI has had a few COVID-19 violations,” Beatty said and explained that over the years have had numerous cases of general misconduct associated with the group. “That stuff just doesn’t go away overnight.”
As seen on social media pages such as @gburgsurvivors and @burgchicks on Instagram, many students shared the sentiment that their questions were left unanswered.
“All the questions they answered felt very disingenuous,” Christian DeMusis ‘21 said. “I was hoping we’d get some real answers.”
September 4, 2020
Absolute nonsense, shame on you for reporting it, 12 people, looked bored but two.
Enjoy school for the few weeks while it lasts before closed out.
Such a time waste attempting to create contra. Don’t want to be in fraternity or sorority? Don’t! Go elsewhere.
Why publish this—first amendment ?—nonsense! Support the success of all students, the College.
Editorial Board needs to revisit its standards against basic standards of journalism.
September 4, 2020
We’re wearing mask (because we don’t ignore science)so how would you know what our facial expressions were? Secondly, none of us are in Greek organizations but have to deal with the consequences of THEIR actions and also the administration’s. Thirdly, aren’t you older than 60? Please find something else to do around the house instead of attacking this article.
September 4, 2020
Mr Buzzerd,
I don’t believe the student newspaper, much less this piece, deserves to have shame cast its way. Disagreement–of course–is to be expected, but to insist on only a certain, narrow editorial standpoint overlooks the very principle that allows for your ever-aggressive posts to be published in the paper’s comment section. The First Amendment is hardly nonsense, and I’m quite proud of the Gettysburgians who understand this.
-Scott Boddery
September 4, 2020
This is why I worry about the elderly. Someone do a wellness check on him. Stupidity and old age don’t mix well. Stay safe Harry <3 #praying4u