<p>^^ I believe the difference here is we are using different definitions.</p>
<p>However, for the sake of your example pig roast example though, I will grant you that underground frats count. </p>
<p>The bigger issue here is there is a serious slippery slope when people start telling others what they can do in private. This group is not on campus and not sanctioned by Amherst. A set of dumb guys are free to get together and still do dumb things. We may not like it and may be offended, but it is still a private act by a private party. </p>
<p>I do think, however, that we just need to be very careful when offended by private acts that somehow we reflexively attempt to dictate others’ private behavior. The slippery slope is at some point the private behavior controllers come for you too.</p>
<p>This is not a defense of anyone’s actions in the least, but caution of the instinct people now have that if offended then there is some right to dictate someone else’s private behavior. Is this pig roast shirt a despicable act? Yes. Are a lot of dumb things frats do despicable? Yes. But, if private, I am not comfortable dictating anyone’s actions to stop, even if the actions are offensive and stupid. So the idea they should have been punished beyond an apology makes me uncomfortable. And worse, the concept of trying to outlaw private behavior just seems dangerous to a free society. </p>
<p>It will be interesting to see what is said about the 55 schools because granted many actions investigated probably will be deemed private actions. And, at what point does the government think it can dictate private acts, even if those acts offend others? I see many a court cases coming. </p>