The partial lifting on the moratorium may be a relief to some Greek organizations that wish to hold end-of-the-year events, but it is an action that is long overdue.

The ban, which was unfair to begin with, lasted too long and comes at a bad time, as organizations have little or no hope of planning and holding major events before students leave for the summer.

Brian Hemphill, vice president for Student Affairs, implemented a change in the ban Wednesday to allow Greek sororities and fraternities to host social events at places other than their houses.

The motive behind the ban – to improve safety conditions along Greek Row – was understandable after a stabbing took place outside a row of fraternity houses.

However, this ban was an overly broad and ineffective action that worked more to improve the school’s reputation than actually solve the problem at hand. Because the Greek organizations were not the source of the problem, it was unrealistic to think this action would do anything to help solve it.

The ban also brings up issues of fairness, as local bars have not been held responsible for repeated altercations occurring on or close to their property.

DeKalb officials, for example, would not punish surrounding bars for a stabbing that occurred in Starbusters’ parking lot.

Furthermore, any action resulting from the stabbing should have been taken by the DeKalb police and not NIU because the incident did not involve NIU students or fraternities.

Lifting part of the moratorium was a step in the right direction. However, the action falls short of undoing the unfair treatment Greek organizations have experienced in this matter.