[[font|size=5]] The PIKE Incident [[end-font]] Last week one of Cornell University’s fraternities, Pi Kappa Alpha, commonly known as PIKE, was temporarily suspended for sending three freshmen to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. The house was mandated by the University’s Inter-Fraternity Council, or IFC to stop operations. The house may also face numerous criminal charges as well. Because of the incident, the IFC stated that “this incident is being taken very seriously and will likely have repercussions that effect(sic) the entire system.” Meanwhile, a new debate about the role of the Greek System began not only at Cornell but in the Ithaca community as a whole. The ''Cornell Daily Sun'' ran a series of letters to the editor, the most angry stating that he is “loathe to call himself a Cornelian.” [[font|size=5]] The Cornell Greek System's Impact on the Economy [[end-font]] The Cornell University Greek System is a large economic force in the community. These houses have their own meal plans, are in constant need of renovation, and spend a large amount on discretionary expenses. For instance, the Fraternity and sorority-owned Student Management Corporation spends over $3,000,000 per year on its houses. These $3,000,000 are spent on everything from food to maintenance, and many of the vendors they contract are locally based, meaning that this money stays within the region. Furthermore, many of the large construction projects undertaken by numerous houses in the last few years were undertaken by local firms. However, the Greek System is not the perfect economic citizen it may be cracked up to be. Members of the Greek System may not choose to buy local for larger discretionary purchases, such as televisions or furniture. In addition, the student management corporation lists two national chains and only one locally based company for contractors building supplies. While the Greek System does add to the economic climate of Tompkins County, it has a ways to go until it becomes a fully local citizen. [[font|size=5]] The Cornell Greek System's Reputation [[end-font]] The Cornell University Greek System has had a long heritage of negative press in the Cornell and Ithaca community. In 1994 a treasure trove of Cornell and Ithaca memorabilia, including everything from stolen street signs to a second set of hands for McGraw Tower, was found in the basement of the Sigma Phi Society. Fraternities are known to occasionally swamp emergency rooms during the weekend days, especially during Rush Week, when the PIKE incident occurred. In addition, drunken fraternity boys have been the target of vandalism and rape accusations. However, the Cornell Greek System is attempting to rebuild its reputation. Many houses hold numerous philanthropy events, raising thousands for worthy charities. Members of the Greek System have donated time to senior centers, soup kitchens, and cleanups around the Ithaca area. When, over the next few months, the Cornell Greek System is reformed, which it inevitably will be, think about the benefits and burdens of the Greek System. The decisions made by the IFC will radiate throughout the entire community.