Following recent precedence, the Penn State Interfraternity Council has voted once again to restrict partying over State Patty’s Day weekend. This is the second time in as many years that the IFC is taking significant action against the pseudo-holiday, set to go down on February 23 this year.

The IFC President’s Council voted unanimously to ban social functions on February 23 and to hold no parties the day before. For all my fellow GDIs out there, that means that nothing will be going down on the actual day of State Patty’s Day, while controlled socials with sororities or other groups will still be permitted on the Friday before.

The IFC released the following statement announcing the decision:

“The presidents of the Penn State Interfraternity Council have voted to once again take a stand against State Patty’s Day. The council voted to have no social functions at all on February 23^rd and to hold no party’s [sic] the day prior. We are excited to work with the borough of State College and the Penn State community to further eliminate the presence of this event at our university. The Interfraternity Council plans to engage in various community service initiatives that day en lieu of drinking to further better our community here at Penn State. If you have an event on February 23^rd, fighting State Patty’s Day, we would love to work with you! Please contact [email protected] and let us know what you plan to do and how we can help. We look forward to working with you!”

State Patty’s Day has become an increasingly contentious issue within the student body at Penn State. The IFC has been admirable in their efforts to help minimize the damage caused by the holiday, but they certainly can’t do it alone.

With the IFC, on campus housing, and bars all taking steps against the holiday in the past, it pushes students to the only safe haven for debauchery on that day — off campus apartments and the streets of State College, arguably the two most unsafe places to binge drink in any circumstance. Until realtors of the major student housing conglomerates decide to enforce stricter rules for tenants during that weekend, State Patty’s Day will go on.

In any case, the IFC is doing their part to help ensure a safer State Patty’s Day, and one that does not come at the expense of Penn State’s reputation, resources, and well-being.