Diversity topic of discussion at Interfraternity Council debate

Candidates for Interfraternity Council President discussed issues ranging from recruitment to stereotypes in the greek community and the campus alcohol policy at the annual IFC Presidential Debate on Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Will Rogers Room.

Spencer Falcon, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and biochemistry junior, is running with the intent of helping IFC chapters achieve greater academic success, IFC President Nick Coffey said.

Falcon also is set on reviewing IFC’s recruitment processes to help chapters of smaller size grow in number, Coffey said.

Falcon has held several positions within his fraternity, ranging from intramural chairman to philanthropy chairman, according to Coffey.

Falcon said his desire to run for IFC president began with his dedication to the fraternities.

“My motivation for running for IFC president stems from you guys,” Falcon said during the debate. “I want to make IFC more transparent.”

Falcon specifically touched on issues of increasing diversity within smaller houses to help promote their house sizes, as well as unite the fraternities on campus, while maintaining friendly competition between them.

Marketing and finance junior Drew Knox is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and the current IFC vice president of programming.

Knox concentrated his platform on IFC responsibilities, including alcohol policies, aiding smaller fraternities in their recruitments and housing during the debate.

“IFC serving fraternities is its first priority,” Knox said. “We want to randomize the [alcohol policy] and hold houses accountable. We want to work with student conduct and continue this relationship. It’s near impossible to change this policy, so we need to work [together].”

Falcon also agreed with promoting more tolerance for alcohol regulation on campus.

“I know a lot of people disagree with the alcohol policy, but it’s there to protect us,” Falcon said.

A surprising topic candidates touched on was the image of the Greek community.

“Through the media, we’re seen as conceited…but we’re good people and we care,” Falcon said.

“I want to access the image we have around campus,” Knox said. “[Others] really crack down on [it].”

Both candidates provided plenty of new ideas they hope to accomplish in their term.

“If elected, I want united houses, raised grades, address vandalism policies and make SafeRide vouchers available on your phone,” Falcon said.

Knox promised to continue the work he’s accomplished as this year’s vice president of programming, as well as his efforts to provide the same amenities that are offered in traditional OU housing, such as free Wi-Fi and printers in each fraternity house.

IFC presidents are bombarded with plenty of tasks, Coffey said.

The president is responsible for overseeing fall recruitment, in which approximately 1,000 students participate each year, and spring recruitment, which will occur late January, said Coffey.

Fraternity members can vote on their favorite candidate Nov. 6 and 7 at elections.ou.edu.

Elyssa Szkirpan

Elyssa is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Campus Reporter, Opinion Columnist, Campus Reporter and Campus Reporter.