Brown University is overhauling how students are placed in program houses, moving from a house-led selection process to a randomized lottery conducted by the Office of Residential Life. These houses consist of gender-, race-, and interest-based communities where residents can build support networks and foster a sense of belonging. Affinity and program housing at Brown has a long history of creating intentional spaces for underrepresented or marginalized students to find community, support, and solidarity. Houses like La Casita, Harambee, House of Ninnoug, and the Brown Women’s Collective were founded to provide culturally specific environments where students could connect over shared experiences, identities, and values. These houses were a response to feeling isolated in the broader campus community. By removing leadership control over resident selection, the University risks diluting the focus and purpose of these communities, potentially leaving students in spaces where they feel disconnected or misunderstood.
Program House Response to Intervention
Many students are theorizing that these changes are a result of Brown preemptively responding to federal regulations under the Trump administration. This is not a ridiculous theory given the deal from the White House Brown recently rejected and the previous federal grant cuts. The lottery system is viewed by some as a way to avoid scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that could be targeted or deemed “unlawful.” Although the University has not publicly commented on the motivations behind the decision, the timing and broader political context have fueled concern among student leaders.
Student leaders are speaking out against the change, calling it an attack on identity-based communities. The shared sentiment is that the selection change diminishes the opportunity to create inclusive, diverse, and supportive environments. Many worry it undermines years of intentional community-building. In response, student leaders are mobilizing alumni, current members, and advocacy groups like Brown Rise Up to push back. In an era of heightened challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion, solidarity among student organizations is essential to protect safe spaces for students from marginalized communities.
Why Solidarity is Crucial
Some student leaders have voiced frustration that Greek Life organizations with designated Residential housing (most of which are historically white organizations) remain untouched by these changes. They argue that the contrast highlights deep inequities in how the University values its students. Program houses focused on historically marginalized identities are being restricted, while fraternities and sororities—traditionally white and privileged—face no increased scrutiny, even when their selection practices could be seen as exclusionary. For these students, the discrepancy underscores how systemic privilege allows some groups to operate without challenge, while others are forced to compromise their communities and values.
It’s understandable that students in program houses may feel resentment toward Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities often seem most visible in the context of social events. It is rare to see them advocating collectively as unified organizations. This visibility gap can make Greek Life appear disconnected from broader student advocacy or issues affecting marginalized communities. Yet, Brown is home to some of the most politically adept, critically thinking, and high-achieving students in the country. Greek Life is no exception. Many members are invested in the well-being of the campus community and want to see program houses thrive. We know that advocating for and protecting vulnerable student populations is the keystone to this goal. However, framing Greek Life as the “enemy” risks deepening divisions among the student population. Collaboration and solidarity across all groups are essential to defend inclusive spaces and advance equity on campus. Retreating to corners and stereotypical thinking would be a grave mistake. There is no room for mistakes when the nation is watching how our campus responds to federal intervention.
To protect these spaces and ensure their continued impact, student groups must prioritize collaboration over division. Program houses, affinity groups, and even Greek organizations share a stake in fostering inclusive, supportive communities on campus, and pooling resources, networks, and advocacy efforts can amplify their voices. And to my fellow Greek students, we have a responsibility to act for our program house brothers and sisters when it is not safe for them to act for themselves. Solidarity means stepping beyond social or organizational boundaries to defend equity and inclusion wherever it is challenged. By using our platforms, connections, and influence, we can help preserve the communities that nurture underrepresented and vulnerable students, ensuring that all members of our campus feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.