Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story

The term “Greek life” refers to fraternity and sorority culture. Fraternities and sororities almost always bear titles that combine two or three letters of the Greek alphabet, like Sigma Alpha Epsilon or Chi Omega. When fraternities were originally developed, most undergraduates were already competent at reading Latin, but reading ancient Greek was considered a mark of a superior education. Using Greek letters as the names of fraternities and secret societies was therefore a way to mark privilege and exclusivity. The tradition is ongoing today, even though it is now quite uncommon for college students to learn Latin or ancient Greek unless they are majoring in Classics. Occasionally, “Greek life” can be a confusing term: When Marshall says that “Greek alumni give approximately 75 percent of all money donated to universities” (20), it is only context that makes it clear that he is not talking about nationality.

The Kappa Alpha Order is an American fraternity that currently has over 100 active chapters at colleges and universities across the United States. Its website lists among its values knowledge, leadership, brotherhood, excellence, and a reverence for God and women. The organization is not shy about its love for Robert E. Lee, praising his “religious convictions, exemplary ideals, values, strong leadership, courtesy, respect for others and gentlemanly conduct” (“Robert E. Lee.” Kappa Alpha Order). The website also states that “Kappa Alpha Order has a zero tolerance for hazing” and provides official guidelines for ensuring that no members under the legal drinking age (21) have access to alcohol during parties. As Marshall explains, the official KA rules have little to do with the reality of campus life. Mikey Schmidt and Rob Liljeberg were both KA members during their time at C of C.

Applying to join a fraternity or sorority, as Max Marshall notes, involves both an official and an unofficial process. The official process involves house tours and “career-fair-style interviews” (35), while the unofficial process is called “rush.” A freshman can rush a sorority or fraternity by attending the group’s parties and making friends. Some colleges refer to the entire application process as “rush,” while others make the same distinction as Marshall. In Among the Bros, Mikey rushes KA (and possibly SAE), but does not make a universally good impression. His fake ID business and his friendship with Rob Liljeberg are a big part of what gets him through the application process.

Fraternities and sororities choose the applicants they would like to accept and then offer them bids. Applicants can accept or reject any bids, after which they become pledges. A pledge is a new member who has not yet been through the entire initiation process, which means that they have to undergo hazing rituals. At the end of a set period of time (often a semester), pledges can complete their initiation and become full members.