Greek life members are now going to fill their red Solo cups with beer and wine, instead of hard alcohol. The North-American Interfraternity Conference banned hard liquor at fraternity events nation-wide. The ban goes into effect September 19th and affects fraternity houses at over 800 college campuses.

The resolution passed by the NIC prohibits “alcohol products above 15 percent A.B.V.” from being present in “any chapter facility” — such as a fraternity house — or “at any chapter event” unless it is being sold by a licensed third party. Adults 21 and older are not exempt and only beverages below a 15 percent alcohol by volume content, including beer, wine and malt beverages will be allowed.

Although the new national policy starts this week, IU fraternity houses have been following this rule for over two years. Back in 2016, the IU IFC organization banned hard liquor in all fraternity houses on campus. The IFC voted on this decision after a series of deaths linked to Greek activities, including hazing, happening inside fraternity houses across the county. “What this decision is doing is limiting this abuse not only for pledges, but it’s also creating a safer environment for fraternity members,” IFC member, Jonas Peiekara said.

While IU Greek life has drastically changed over the past couple of years, many fraternity members on campus are glad IFC was proactive in their decision. Senior Arjun Singh said, “Over the last two or three years with my involvement in Greek life, I can definitely say, without a doubt in my mind, that Greek life has become more safe and more responsible.”