In a recent article in The Atlantic, author Caitlin Flanagan wrote out about what she calls, “The Dark Power of Fraternities.” Her story paints fraternities as old-guard institutions that create dangerous environments for college students. As a SigEp brother, I found Flanagan’s narrow account especially frustrating.

In an attempt to simplify complex cultural issues that have plagued college campuses for generations, Flanagan’s article places the entirety of the blame on fraternities; and we’re left with an account that fails to see the forest through the trees. Hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual assault are pervasive societal problems that have been found in high schools, religious organizations, marching bands, collegiate and professional sports and the military. They can be particularly exacerbated on college campuses—a reality fraternities have grappled with since their founding.

It is absolutely certain that some fraternity houses have been the scene of drunken debauchery, and frankly, stupidity. Sigma Phi Epsilon is not without its own blemishes, but I have been proud to see our Fraternity be the first to point them out and champion efforts to solve what are large and complex social problems. It is my belief that the men built within the halls of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and other fraternities committed to similar ideals, will be precisely the ones to solve these widespread issues.

Although I am frustrated to see the good work of fraternities omitted from narrow accounts like these, I remain proud that change is being pursued through the real and untold power of fraternities.