New fraternity brings controversy to SIU

An SIUC professor said that a fraternity's sign in the Student Center objectifies women and perpetuates a rape culture on campus, but the fraternity's president said it is a community-based organization that respects women.

The sign, which was aimed to recruit new members for Tau Kappa Epsilon, showed distinguished members, such as former President Reagan, Terry Bradshaw and co-founder of Hooters, Edward C. Droste. Hooters is a restaurant known for its scantily clad waitresses that sport high-cut orange biker shorts and low-cut white tops. Sociology Professor Rob Benford first noticed the sign two weeks ago while eating in the Student Center. He said that the owner and proprietor of Hooters is the type of person that should not be represented at SIUC.

"That is another indication of willingness to sustain a rape culture on campus," Benford said. "What they are doing is very clearly sending a message that they are looking for men who would objectify women's bodies as Hooters does. And that's the type of people they want in their fraternity," Mike McCarthy, president of Tau Kappa Epsilon's Carbondale chapter, said that when Droste was put onto the sign, it was meant to show a distinguished alumnus and top executive of a multi-million dollar organization.

"We don't condone the objectifying of women in any way," McCarthy said. McCarthy, a senior from Canton studying management, said the Hooters founder is an active member of the fraternity and is helping open new chapters across Florida. Benford said although Hooters is a legal eating establishment, some forms of pornography are legal as well. He said Hooters should not be the type of company advertised on campus, especially for a fraternity.

"I just don't think that's the kind of organization we want on campus. For people to glorify someone who founded Hooters any more than we should want somebody on campus who would glorify Larry Flint or Hugh Hefner," Benford said. According to the Hooters website, "the element of sex appeal is prevalent in the restaurants and the company believes the Hooters Girl is as socially acceptable as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model or Radio City Rockette.

McCarthy said that he did not intend to offend anyone, and on the official Tau Kappa Epsilon's website, Droste is listed under Business and Industry, not entertainment. Recently Ron Jeremy, an adult film star, wanted to become an honorary member of the fraternity, McCarthy said. After little deliberation, McCarthy said Jeremy's induction was canceled because of his questionable morals. McCarthy said the fraternity is here to help the greek community and campus, and the organization's motto is to always be there for anyone in need.

"We are not here to degrade women or here just to party," McCarthy said. "We are here to make an impact on campus." Bedford wants people to be educated about women and to be more responsive to women. "Treat all women in our culture as we would have others treat our girlfriends, wives, mothers and daughters," Benford said. "If we did that, it would be a much better place for women in our society."