Fraternity Recruiting Students With Letters

The campus chapter of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity sent letters this week to all male first-year students, urging them to escape Harvard's depressed social life by joining the underground organization.

The letters, which chapter officials said were distributed Tuesday, characterize fraternity brothers as Harvard men "dedicated to the resurrection of Greek life at a school where the social life can be pretty bleak."

Although similar letters were mailed out last year, this is the first time the fraternity has had access to a complete list of first-year names.

"The letter is just to let people know we're here," said Christopher E. Shih '93, the fraternity's rush chair.

Sigma Alpha Mu, which bills itself as the largest fraternity on campus, was revived in 1989 and received a charter from the national organization last May. The University administration does not officially recognize any of the fraternities.

Still Illegal, Says Epps

"Fraternities are illegal at Harvard," said Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III. "We have very great doubts about the efficacy of fraternities because many have the reputation for the abuse of alcohol and for interference with academic work."

Like the nine all-male final clubs, fraternities are not granted on-campus housing or office space. Sigma Alpha Mu members hold their meetings at local restaurants because they do not own a fraternity house.