Lots of People Want Nice Housing

In the ongoing saga of the brownstones, the Brownstone Review Committee to allocate the empty houses met for the first time this week.

There have been a two developments. First, Daniel O’Leary resigned from the committee. Says O’Leary, “I have decided to step down because an organization that I have been affiliated with [SAE] has applied for a brownstone.” This leaves the committee with four Greek-affiliated students and two non-affiliated students.

Second, the list of applicants has been released and the decision has been postponed until November 30th because there are so many. Dean Terry Martinez sent us a list of the 13 applying groups:

Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Application Development Initiative
Lambda Phi Epsilon
Manhattan House by NAC
Music House
Phi Gamma Delta
Pi Kappa Alpha
Psi Upsilon
Q House
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (O’Leary’s conflict of interest)
Student Wellness Project
Writers House

That’s all for now, but we’ll cover this more.

Where we’d secretly rather be living via Wikimedia Commons.

62 Comments

October 12, 2012 @ 2:03 pm

Tags: brownstone review committee, decisions decisions, frat city bitch

Anonymous says:

6 4 October 12, 2012 @ 2:27 pm

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What is Q House?
- Anonymous says:
  
  18 0 October 12, 2012 @ 2:31 pm
  
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  and Manhattan House by NAC?
- CC '16 says:
  
  24 23 October 12, 2012 @ 2:37 pm
  
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  Q House is a special-interest housing group exclusively for LGBTQ+ students.
  - anon says:
    
    32 44 October 12, 2012 @ 2:45 pm
    
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    oh, so now we stuff them into the same dorm? isn't this the exact opposite of how equal rights regardless of sexual orientation is supposed to work?
    - anon says:
      
      32 11 October 12, 2012 @ 3:08 pm
      
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      How is that any different from a Jewish or Asian fraternity? It's about shared identity.
      - anon says:
        
        26 8 October 12, 2012 @ 4:27 pm
        
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        but from the way the CC'16 said it, Q house is EXCLUSIVELY for LGBTQ students. the jewish/asian fraternities are jewish/asian-interest, and while they attract a lot of jews/asians, they are not exclusive.
      - Anonymous says:
        
        14 3 October 13, 2012 @ 6:59 am
        
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        Those fraternities are Asian-INTEREST and JEwish-INTEREST. There focus is on culture, community building, philanthropy, etc with a particular focus. Like Q House , allies are welcome.
    - Right! says:
      
      6 8 October 12, 2012 @ 7:56 pm
      
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      Let's sequester campus diversity!
    - Van Owen says:
      
      28 18 October 12, 2012 @ 9:12 pm
      
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      Sounds gay.
  - Anonymous says:
    
    65 16 October 12, 2012 @ 2:58 pm
    
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    Stuffing a bunch of LGBTQ students into a brownstone and calling it Q House (or Queer House I'm guessing) sounds like the recipe for a terrible MTV reality TV show.
  - Anonymous says:
    
    30 5 October 12, 2012 @ 3:11 pm
    
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    wow, not sure how this comment is controversial. I've known a couple people in the suite that serves as Q-house, they're a fun group. it's not like straight people can't live there if they want. Lots of times people with stuff in common want to live together--is this really a new idea to anyone?
    - Anonymous says:
      
      13 22 October 12, 2012 @ 3:19 pm
      
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      Why do they need a Brownstone to live together? How do they add to the community at large?
      - Anonymous says:
        
        29 3 October 12, 2012 @ 3:33 pm
        
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        Let's just skip the whole safe-space debate since we all know where this is going. They're people with something in common who want to live together. Like any other SIC they put on programming around their chosen theme which just happens to be LGBTQ identity.
    - Anonymous says:
      
      7 9 October 12, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
      
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      To quote the great Lee C. Bollinger, "Sometimes building a sense of community on campus means being around people outside of your comfort zone--people that are different from you." Not to say that having a community of LGBTQ students isn't important in its own right but I think what would be far more important for Columbia in it's current state would be having a housing opportunity that bridges students who--despite sharing some, perhaps more diluted, commonalities--represent a diverse group including, but not limited to, members of the LGBTQ community, Native American Council members, etc. It seems to me like this would be far more effective in breaking down barriers among these different communities than introverting each of them. Now whether this means creating another frat house or something a bit more ubiquitous like music house or writers house, I'm not really sure...
      - Anonymous says:
        
        12 0 October 12, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
        
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        Also the prezbo quote was partly in jest
  - Claire says:
    
    24 2 October 12, 2012 @ 5:41 pm
    
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    Allies are also welcome to apply to Q-house. The "+" is LGBTQ+ includes like a million other letters, including A for ally (straight people who support LGBT rights).
between the lines says:

25 2 October 12, 2012 @ 6:54 pm

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way to get dat SAEbro to quit, bwog
- Anonymous says:
  
  7 2 October 13, 2012 @ 3:40 pm
  
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  truth to power
Van Owen says:

4 36 October 12, 2012 @ 7:40 pm

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Delta Psi, bitches. Saint A's represent!
The Helpful Vegan (CC '14) says:

7 78 October 12, 2012 @ 7:47 pm

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There REALLY needs to be a meat/cruelty-free safe space for vegans, fruitarians and other people concerned about sharing a cruelty-free living space. I'm SO disgusted by the number of Columbia students who wear leather, eat meat, and live cruelty-driven and carnicentric lifestyles that surround me in my current housing situation. If we can't ban meat and cruel foods along with products that are basically generated by murder, there should AT LEAST be a floor in every campus building that is 100% cruelty-free!!!
- BC '15 says:
  
  16 1 October 13, 2012 @ 2:36 pm
  
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  You troll.
  - The Helpful Vegan (CC '14) says:
    
    4 29 October 13, 2012 @ 5:58 pm
    
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    Excuse me? Just because I happen to live a lifestyle that doesn't literally leave the blood of thousands of animals on my hands and I'm not shy about talking about it doesn't make me a troll. I'm not trolling or starting a flame war: just trying to help people open their minds and eyes to the very real horrors perpetuated by the meat, fashion, and dairy industries. You might think about doing some research on the subject yourself before going around accusing people of trolling. Peace.
    - Anonymous says:
      
      17 0 October 15, 2012 @ 11:37 am
      
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      You're no better than evangelical Christians forcing their beliefs on everyone else. You're entitled to your beliefs, but shut up and stop forcing them on others.
Anonymous says:

33 1 October 12, 2012 @ 7:51 pm

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The key to trolling is a little bit of subtlety, y'all.
CC Senior says:

31 0 October 12, 2012 @ 8:01 pm

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Is there perhaps a way for students to submit opinions? You know, like how some special-interest groups will submit an amicus brief to the Supreme Court when it is hearing a case. I feel like this is going to have an impact on everyone, there should be a way for students to submit, in writing, their opinions.
- Anonymous says:
  
  28 2 October 12, 2012 @ 10:39 pm
  
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  yeah. if it's about what's best for the community, the community should have a voice.
  - Anon says:
    
    11 2 October 13, 2012 @ 2:37 pm
    
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    ...Why would anyone downvote this?
    - why somebody would downvote that says:
      
      17 9 October 14, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
      
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      because they're in greek life. it is to their favor for this be a closed process, since they have a majority of the committee.
      - ... says:
        
        1 0 October 16, 2012 @ 11:58 am
        
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        there they go again
how is this even a question says:

33 27 October 12, 2012 @ 9:35 pm

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it's obvious that if frats get the houses, they'll just be reconsumed by greek interactivity. if other groups get them, they'll have events that everybody can go to
- Yeah, how is this even a question? says:
  
  20 10 October 13, 2012 @ 2:43 am
  
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  @how is this even a question: You mean the Greek events that all students are invited to? Pretty sure out of all those groups, Greeks are the most diverse and community oriented.
- Mmm says:
  
  36 33 October 13, 2012 @ 8:03 am
  
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  I don't follow your logic. I think anyone can go and get raped at a pike party.
  - You're so clever says:
    
    4 14 October 14, 2012 @ 12:50 am
    
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    Good one. So original and witty. You forget to add that "Frats" are full of stupid kids as well.
Jerry Sandusky says:

17 24 October 12, 2012 @ 10:47 pm

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I like little boys
Lets give everyone a fair shot says:

27 13 October 13, 2012 @ 8:47 am

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This is getting a bit ridiculous.

1. The people that applied were likely chosen because they are all really involved on campus. Whether they are Greek or not, they must have what is best for the community in mind. I am sure that there are other organizations/clubs that are also over represented, but because they are not greek organizations they have not been highlighted. With all of the bad press that resulted in the past, I am sure the university is not jumping at the opportunity to put new greek organizations in, and the fraternities and sororities applying will have to prove, if not more than other groups, that they are deserving of a house.

2. I joined Greek life fairly late, as a junior. I had a significant amount of time at Columbia outside the Greek system, and had my own preconceived notions before joining. Before becoming more involved, I did not realize how much Greek organizations truly do on campus. Events are geared towards the entire community, and are very rarely exclusive. I totally understand why the Greek community is not right for everyone, but why put down the people who have found a home there?

3. The groups that have submitted applications seem to be awesome. I think in the end the decision will come down to who will continually be able to fill the brownstone, who will get the most benefit from it, and how will the new residents be able to impact the community positively. In the end, I assume it will go to some mixture of Greek and non-greek groups.

Honestly, best of luck to everyone. I hope all of this pettiness stops.
- soror squatzzz says:
  
  31 6 October 13, 2012 @ 2:40 pm
  
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  So...no one ever goes in the sorority houses. Even the members don't spend much time in them. They don't have parties for anyone/everyone. Their events are rarely "geared toward the entire community", except for maybe THETA BIRTHDAY TONITEEE see u there every1 lolzz
- Anon says:
  
  12 0 October 13, 2012 @ 7:17 pm
  
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  TL;DR
- Anonymous says:
  
  10 2 October 13, 2012 @ 9:04 pm
  
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  "Events are geared towards the entire community, and are very rarely exclusive."
  
  This is completely untrue lol really.
  - Anonymous says:
    
    4 5 October 14, 2012 @ 2:14 am
    
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    You sir, don't know a thing
- confused says:
  
  13 1 October 15, 2012 @ 4:11 am
  
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  "Events are geared towards the entire community, and are very rarely exclusive."
  
  I have friends in Greek life and I'm sure that, as a member of Greek life, the events seem really open, but they're not. With the exception of rush events early in the semester, a handful of open parties, and certain philanthropy events, everything is Greek-only mixers or impromptu parties open only to members of a certain frat/sorority and the people they invite. Obviously, frats/sororities have the right to control who they let into their houses...but don't pretend most parties are open.
a really really hot gay boy says:

13 26 October 13, 2012 @ 11:00 am

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i can't stand lesbians.
Educate yourself says:

7 3 October 13, 2012 @ 12:15 pm

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There's Metta house, which is already a vegetarian/vegan house.
- The Helpful Vegan (CC '14) says:
  
  2 29 October 13, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
  
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  Yes, but it's not 100% cruelty-free. So maybe YOU should educate YOURSELF.
  - Anonymous says:
    
    18 2 October 13, 2012 @ 6:56 pm
    
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    Paper is cruelty free. THINK OF THE TREES YO. Looks like you're gonna have to throw out those books. And what about those vegetables that you consume before they get a chance to procreate? You're essentially breeding them to be killed. Think of those poor tomatoes. :(
    
    But seriously, go live out in the woods alone if you want to segregate yourself from "all of this "cruelty". You speak of tolerance for vegans? Where is your tolerance for people who eat meat? Calm yourself with some bacon
    - The Helpful Vegan (CC '14) says:
      
      1 28 October 13, 2012 @ 7:07 pm
      
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      WOW. Hostility much? Your carnicentric cruelty-driven lifestyle has obviously affected your hostility/aggression levels. Are you male? You probably beat your girlfriend/boyfriend. I'm sure they serve meat products in prison, so you should be happy: that's where you're going to end up. Would you "tolerate" someone killing a child in the street or on the subway? What about a FARM full of children being raised to be murdered? I bet you'd love to kill some children. Columbia is FULL of SICKOS like you. I hope you get the help you need and start making some SANE AND SENSIBLE dietary decisions in your life TODAY! Peace, love, and tofu.
      - The onlooker says:
        
        3 0 October 18, 2012 @ 6:53 pm
        
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        You're either a complete twat, or an amazing troll. Either way reading your shit is hillarious
lol says:

35 2 October 13, 2012 @ 12:29 pm

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currently pictured writer's house sandwiched between pike and psi u
ban frats on campus! says:

36 21 October 13, 2012 @ 12:55 pm

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this is a no-brainer...frats are so fuckin phony with their "philanthropy." join the DDC if you care. it doesn't cost $500 a semester or ruin Columbia.
- Anonymous says:
  
  2 8 October 13, 2012 @ 9:05 pm
  
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  not sure whether to like or dislike this comment
anon says:

5 28 October 13, 2012 @ 10:52 pm

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Go AXO
PHILO says:

14 10 October 14, 2012 @ 9:55 am

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PHILOLEXIAN SOCIETY!

seniority > greek life
Anonymous says:

12 12 October 14, 2012 @ 12:43 pm

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Why are outside organizations allowed to have the Brownstones when both General Studies and Barnard have severe housing shortages?
- confused says:
  
  11 1 October 15, 2012 @ 4:07 am
  
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  What "outside organizations"? They're still Columbia students. The spots they would have occupied in the dorms will go to students who wouldn't otherwise get housing. There's no net gain or loss, right?
  - Anonymous says:
    
    2 4 October 15, 2012 @ 12:39 pm
    
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    CC and SEAS have not had significant issues placing students into on campus housing, whereas GS and Barnard have had large housing shortages this year. GS could not house almost half of all students who applied for on campus housing and Barnard had to break its housing guarantee this year. Barnard and GS students, as a result, should be prioritized in housing, as those colleges need it more than CC and SEAS do. If a student organization got the Brownstones, then yes, it would give all Columbia students an opportunity for housing, but it would not be prioritizing those from the colleges that have housing shortages.
    - Anonymous says:
      
      5 0 October 16, 2012 @ 11:01 am
      
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      This is Columbia Housing though. Theoretically, Columbia can designate these brownstones as GS housing, but the system is separate from Barnard housing (different budgets) and will never go towards Barnard housing unless Barnard buys it from Columbia. Hence why Brownstowns, EC, etc. can never be majority Barnard - it's Columbia housing period. I feel for Barnard students, but it's not Columbia's problem.
THINK ABOUT THIS: says:

20 14 October 14, 2012 @ 1:38 pm

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if AXO gets a house, sorority recruitment can take place in the sorority houses AKA NOT OUR LOUNGES!!!!!!! everyone wins. huzzah
Dan says:

14 29 October 14, 2012 @ 8:00 pm

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Greek life does way more for campus than most student groups.
- lol says:
  
  10 1 October 14, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
  
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  Dan
- wait.... says:
  
  3 1 October 15, 2012 @ 3:45 pm
  
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  this isn't Dan the CA is it?
Lit says:

10 11 October 15, 2012 @ 8:06 pm

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What's the point of a Writers House when we already have a literary frat?
- has spent time at said "literary" frat says:
  
  27 1 October 16, 2012 @ 11:57 am
  
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  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
- Anonymous says:
  
  11 0 October 16, 2012 @ 6:20 pm
  
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  writer's house might not be perfect, but it's better than ADP at books n shit

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