The Panhellenic Association passed a resolution Wednesday night making a policy that GW sororities will not co-sponsor events in fraternity houses where alcohol is present.

We wanted to support the fraternities that are looking to create safer facilities by eliminating or reducing the use of alcohol, Panhellenic Association President Madeline LePage said. Misuse of alcohol is more likely to occur when it is not controlled by a third-party vendor.

Chapters that already hold stricter alcohol policies than the resolution, such as Kappa Kappa Gamma, will still adhere to their own policies, LePage said.

Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi and Delta Gamma agreed to amend their chapter policies to include the provisions of the resolution.

By limiting our interaction with fraternities with alcohol present, we’re also encouraging the fraternities to provide safe and healthy living facilities, LePage said. We’re not saying that fraternities are abusing alcohol in any way, but we’re just going back to our values and what we were founded for.

The association approved the measure unanimously. It will go into effect in the spring semester.

This is being done across the country, LePage said. Forty-one college Panhellenic Associations have passed resolutions like this.

–Kate Stepan