Oklahoma State fraternities consider dry rush

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Fraternity recruits looking for free-flowing beer and booze at Oklahoma State University could find the taps turned off. <br><br>The university's 19 fraternity houses are

Tuesday, March 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Fraternity recruits looking for free-flowing beer and booze at Oklahoma State University could find the taps turned off.

The university's 19 fraternity houses are considering an agreement to swear off alcohol during the recruitment period known as rush.

They have tentatively signed on to the pledge, which will be taken up by the Interfraternity Council on Wednesday, said Greek Life assistant coordinator Ron Ivey. The council is made up of 19 fraternity presidents and alumni advisers.

"We are taking the initiative to reduce alcohol use within the (Greek) system," the Oklahoma State senior said. "We are trying to change the reputation of partying within the system."

Under the "dry rush" agreement, fraternities will honor the non-drinking policy when recruiting new members beginning Saturday and continuing through summer.

Because the agreement includes a punishment phase, it also will require university approval. Punishment would range from the reduction of rush activities for the first offense to the suspension of the fraternity for the third violation, Ivey said.

Oklahoma State has a dry campus, but that rule often is ignored, he said.

It would not be the first time that fraternities have agreed to a dry rush but enforcement has been a problem, he said. The Interfraternity Council has asked campus police to monitor summer rush, instead of fraternity officers as in the past.

Ivey said summer rush involves the introduction of about 500 Oklahoma State freshmen to various Greek organizations. Beer and liquor are often available during this time in fraternity houses.

The women's rush is alcohol-free.