Campus reaction



When the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity members volunteered to stay up all night in late March, it wasn’t because they were partying. They wanted to protect their house, which has windows on the first floor. They were also concerned about the people on Greek Row.



“As a house many of the guys did not react but were concerned and on edge,” said George Shakro, junior history major and president of Phi Kappa Psi. “Several brothers, including myself, could not sleep that night and tried to find anything that could be used as a weapon, and [we were] constantly checking windows and doors to make sure nothing was going wrong.”

Shakro said he initially thought nothing of the Gangsters Disciple rumor, but as it spread he began to take it more seriously. He said the university brushed the rumor off.

“Greeks are just as much students as anyone else living on campus, and we deserve the same sense of security where we live,” Shakro said.

Students took to social media to share their concerns with NIU’s administration.

“Where’s our safety bulletin regarding the Gangster Disciple tagging happening on Greek Row? Often times this means a gang initiation is starting up, and that usually entails raping and/or killing innocent people,” a student posted to NIU’s Facebook page on March 27. “Hundreds of students live in that area, and we have a right to know what threatens our safety.”

By March 28, Phillips had responded: “We investigated the incident and learned there was graffiti in the area. However, the painted letters [were] associated with anti-Greek life sentiments, not gangs.”

NIU police officer Junelle Bennett attended a Sigma Kappa chapter meeting to talk about safety on Greek Row.

“During the whole weekend we were advised to walk in groups and be aware of our surroundings,” said Jacqueline Jones, sophomore family social services major and Sigma Kappa member. “My sisters and I were all cautious and afraid when leaving our house.”

Even though there have been no reports of gang activity this year, Ali Hayward, sophomore business administration major and Sigma Sigma Sigma member, said she wasn’t surprised when she heard the rumors about gang activity.

“It’s DeKalb,” Hayward said. “It makes us feel unsafe because we can’t even walk down the street without worrying we’re going to get jumped or attacked.”

Shakro said he has heard of gang activity near Greek Row from older Phi Kappa Psi members.

“In February of 2013 there was also a shooting in the Phi Psi parking lot, which gives me this prior hesitation,” Shakro said.

Fernando Ramirez, sophomore business marketing major and Phi Kappa Psi member, said he feels safe and unsafe at the same time while living on Greek Row. He said he knows it’s unlikely anything dangerous will happen during the day.

“I’m more concerned about the sorority girls walking by themselves at night,” Ramirez said.

While Ramirez is skeptical, Tim Olson, senior media communications major and Delta Chi member, said he feels perfectly safe living on Greek Row.

“Someone would have to be crazy to try and pick a fight with a house full of a couple dozen college guys,” Olson said.

