On October 20, the Blue Ridge Center collaborated with the Inter-Fraternity Council to host Dr. Anthony Bradley’s talk “In Defense of Fraternities.” Dr. Bradley is a professor and distinguished research fellow at the Acton Institute. In addition to frequently traveling to lecture at academic institutions, he has been featured as a guest commentator on CNN and Fox News. As the author of multiple books regarding social issues and theology, Dr. Bradley’s most recent novel Heroic Fraternities delves deeper into how fraternities can transform young men in modern society.
The lecture began with an introduction by Gerard Alexander, the president of the Blue Ridge Center (BRC). Alexander explained that the BRC serves as a forum to discuss topics that go beyond the University. The subjects presented at the BRC range from politics to economics to philosophy, promoting thoughtful dialogue amongst students and faculty. After Alexander’s introduction, he turned it over to Dr. Bradley. Dr. Bradley began his talk by saying that fraternities are the nation’s solution to the “man and boy crisis.” Bradley believes that we can redirect the nation’s future through fraternities that can address these challenges. He continued by saying that “college campuses are full of men wanting to pursue the heroic life,” emphasizing that fraternities give young men the chance to flourish.
To support his argument, Dr. Bradley showed statistics on men’s mental health, listing high percentages of young men who reported feeling anxious, hopeless, and suicidal ideation among others. Dr. Bradley attributed this data in part to a need for exemplary role models in college campuses. He argued that fraternities can help with this absence by creating a space where members can cultivate relationships that help with those struggling with mental health.
Dr. Bradley then cited fraternity leaders who also argued that Greek organizations serve as positive influences; Chad Frick, a former president of Alpha Sigma Phi at Clemson University said “if you know someone in a frat who is a terrible person, he was a terrible person before joining the fraternity, and the fraternity didn’t make him that way.” Dr. Bradley used this quote to summarize that correlation does not equal causation. He said misconduct by some people should not be generalized, and critics should aim at improving admissions rather than getting rid of Greek life entirely. The professor also cited Nick Fischer, former president of Sigma Phi Society here at UVA, who said that fraternities are an important support network that lead to stronger wellbeing and leadership.
To provide historical backing in defense of fraternities, Dr. Bradley proved that there has been a long-standing tradition of fraternities producing leaders. He noted that several key figures in the Civil Rights Movement were members of the Divine Nine, historically African American Greek Life organizations. Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall were both members in Alpha Phi Alpha, and A. Phillip Randolph was in Phi Beta Sigma. Dr. Bradley used these notable examples to corroborate his argument that fraternities inspire young men to live a life of public service and honor.
Dr. Bradley’s lecture was a thoughtful take on a topic that is usually overlooked or looked down upon. In a time where controversies have arisen regarding Greek life, he stood behind his position that fraternities make positive contributions on college campuses.
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