Opinion Talk

By Jason

March 9, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Good for DZ.

No one wants to look at a sorority full of fugly pigs.

Maybe this will spur the girls that got cut to lose some weight and be productive members of society.

By Michelle

March 9, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Or, maybe this will encourage rich kids to stop trying to buy their friends and use less shallow methods for making life decisions.

By famucancer

March 9, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Oh Jason…poor poor Jason….you wrote three sentences…but you just told so much more about yourself.

By Jo

March 9, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Jason, I’m guessing you’re short, fat, bald, narrow-shouldered, have a hairy back, bad teeth, B.O, dandruff (oh, wait, that’s right. You’re bald. No dandruff), bad breath, acne pits & a butt-ugly face

By Diva

March 9, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Their decision to handle “poor recruitment” is a reflection of that organization. That is awful. Situations like this shines a ugly light on sororities, but hopefully other organizations will continue to show their strength in valuing education, community service and sisterhood.

By Not a sis

March 9, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

I’ve never understood the need to pay someone to be your friends, anyway? Are people truly that desperate to belong? How superficial and trite.

By Andria

March 9, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

In my experience, it is the national headquarters of the sorority that is the problem when it comes to selecting new members based upon appearance, not so much the local chapters. They swoop in and try to scuttle unattractive new members, while at the same time pressuring the sorority to recruit a certain number of people. You can’t be both selective and numbers-oriented. My chapter was forced on numerous occasions to accept several girls that didn’t really fit in with our vibe just to meet a silly quota.

By AG

March 9, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I agree with you Jo!!!! Im in a sorority, and we don’t choose women based on the physical appearance. For many years our sorority has been known as “the pretty light skin sorotity” in the African American community, which put a damper on many prestigious and worthy women of a darker skin complection to join in the organization. My organization now, looks for women with intellect and a willingness to help others in their community.

By sk8trboi694evr

March 9, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Sororities are just a way for girls to w******* it up under the guise of “sisterhood” and “networking.”

By lovelyliz

March 9, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

My experience with the Greek system in the late 80’s was that you had to be pretty/thin enough &/or and have the right connections to be seriously considered. Those of us who weren’t quite pretty enough or whose family connections weren’t impressive enough just didn’t get invited in. Grades and work ethic just weren’t that important. Sounds like things haven’t changed much.

Sure there are sororities that are about community service and setting a good example. If you are such a member then I congratulate you, but you are still in the minority.

By Elizabeth

March 9, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

The Delta Zeta national headquarters now have more negative media attention than they ever imagined. Good! Maybe they and other sororities will learn a lesson from these shallow, foolhardy actions.

By missy

March 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

As a member of Alpha Delta Pi I can remember final selection and what an individual accomplished was more impt than if they were a beauty queen, At GA Southern all the beauty queens were Phi Mu’s and blondes. That was a given. We had our share of chunkys but they were beautiful girls all around. Image is important in work and life in general.

By GDI

March 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

AG - I am very familiar with your sorority and to say you’re “known as” the pretty, light-skinned” sorority is incorrect. You’re notorious, infamous even, as such. You personally may not fit into the catergory here, but most AKA’s are by far the most elitest, bourgie, uptight, and superficial group of wanna be debs on this planet! My mother-in-law is an AKA, but only pledged in a grad chapter for just that reason. I am a 5’10”, very cute (if I may say so myself!) green-eyed, bi-racial product of the AU Center and had you been at Clark Atlanta when I was there in ‘93, those selfish little twits fell all over themselves to get me to go on line. Of course, declaring myself a proud GDI, they forbade any of their friends from even speaking to me! And they had the nerve to tell me WHY! Now if that isn’t shallow, I don’t know what is.

Going to school at a black college in Atlanta sucked and I’m going to do everything I can to steer my daughter AWAY!

I hope you don’t think I’m offending you, AG. That’s not my intention, but your posted comment just BEGGED me to reply! :-)

(OK - now that I’ve gotten that off of my chest… I can continue my work!)

By Lace

March 9, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I have to wonder how many soroities there are on Campus. With just a few to pick from, looks become much more important. Otherwise, there can be a sorority for everyone. Although taking care of your looks is a factor- let’s be honest, they are important in life as well.
I will admit that being attractive was a serious factor back in my day, but we did take girls with a GREAT personality or athletics. In my career, the same thing still comes around. What are you offering? It is a sorority after all.
I do not think DZ should have kicked the girls out. They should have worked with them to loose weight and be healthier. They are still sisters!

By SwtRose

March 9, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

GDI Your perception of AKA’s doesn’t surprise me at all, If you do a little research you will find that the very foundation of our sorority is not based on skin color, but educating and cultivating young women to be productive members of society. There was no need to give a physical description of yourself; being that we don’t use physical appearance as criteria for membership, maybe you should have tried to join the sorority based on the merits of your character and not your green eyes. I seriously doubt you were asked to pledge, the sorority does not use those tactics to recruit new members. If you have problems with the selection process at the AU center in 1993, then that is fine but let’s not use sweeping generalizations to describe my sorority that is just slanderous and very defaming to our organization.

My intent of this post is not to offend but to defend.

I wish you a remainder of a good day!

SwtRose

By Greta

March 9, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

I don’t agree with choosing recruits based on their complexion or beauty, but I do DETEST people who were not chosen into a sorority and then proceed to BASH the sorority or fraternity like a child. If you weren’t chosen (or you knew you wouldn’t be chosen), please deal with it and move on with your life. I know a 40 plus year old who is still walking around putting down sororities and fraternities as a whole based on a bad experience in the past. Get a life!

By KP

March 9, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

GDI,

I will not argue with you or disagree with your blanket statement of AKA’s at the AU. But damn..really? Its the AU…where else would you find more elitist, bourgeois, self absorbed black women. However, I would not try to steer a child away from a college they choose. I went to a traditional university, I pledged undergrad back in ‘94, and I will try and steer my daughter to college..period. Let go of the malice…its the chapter..not the entire sorority.

By AKAs

March 9, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

AKA Chapter at Alcorn State Accused of Hazing Date: Thursday, March 08, 2007 By: J. Samuel Cook, Black College Wire

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, once referred to as “Gangster Phi” for its brutal hazing rituals, is under fire for allegedly engaging in underground hazing activities.

The Gamma Phi chapter postponed a scheduled Feb. 25 “interest meeting” and suspended intake pending an investigation.

The allegations came in an e-mail sent to the national organization, claiming that illegal hazing activities had taken place. The e-mail was sent under an assumed name.

However, a sophomore who asked not to be identified told the Alcorn Campus Chronicle that she and other prospective members were made to meet members of the sorority in their dorm rooms, perform calisthenics and purchase food and other amenities for the “big sisters.” Aspirants were not allowed to look members of the sorority directly in the eyes, she said.

“They would call us around 1 or 2 in the morning and make us come to their dorm room,” the sophomore said. “Once we were there, they would make us recite history, founders and other information. We would have to do push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks when we got answers wrong or weren’t in sync.” The sophomore said she had not sent the e-mail making the allegations.

AP Video

Patricia A. Owens, assistant director of membership for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s national headquarters, said calisthenics and other physical activities constitute acts of hazing and that the organization mails copies of the organization’s anti-hazing policy to each college or university annually.

The sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University, is a social service organization. Its stated focus includes health resources management, economic growth for black families and entrepreneurship. According to the sorority, there are 49,015 active members worldwide.

The Gamma Phi chapter has conducted such community service projects as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Buckle Up for Safety Campaign, a freshmen women’s forum, a forum for economic empowerment for African American males, and Go Red for Women, a health and wellness awareness forum for African American women, in conjunction with the Alcorn alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The organization enacted a strict anti-hazing policy in 1999 that defines hazing stringently: “a variety of prohibited practices, including but not limited to, ‘underground hazing,’ ‘financial hazing,’ ‘pre-pledging,’ ‘post-pledging’ or ‘post-initiation pledging,’” according to the organization’s Web site. The sorority was forced to suspend intake for all chapters in 2002 after Kristin High and Kenitha Saafir were drowned during alleged underground hazing activities at California State University at Los Angeles.

Linda M. White, supreme basileus for AKA, insisted in a 2002 letter posted on the organization’s Web site that the chapter at Cal State Los Angeles was “suspended … over minor pledging infractions” more than two years prior to the girls’ deaths. An alphabetical listing of suspended and expelled members, as well as chapters, is posted on the organization’s Web site.

Felisha Robinson, vice-basileus for the chapter, said she was “not sure” where allegations of hazing came from and that she “has no knowledge of it whatsoever.” Robinson also remarked that “anything concerning AKA’s interest meeting is AKA business and AKA business only.”

Apparently this is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Jennifer Graham, the current chapter basileus, asserted that “people have been saying they’ve been getting hazed by Gamma Phi for years.” The chapter was under investigation in 2005 for hazing. Several members were suspended from the sorority, but the chapter remained intact.

Alcorn State University also has a strict anti-hazing policy that is outlined in the university handbook. Penalties for hazing include suspension, expulsion, fines and civil prosecution. In Mississippi, any person violating anti-hazing laws is to receive a penalty of not more than $2,000, imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both.

Shundera Perteet, who became graduate adviser for the Gamma Phi chapter in August 2005, said in a Feb.23 memo addressed to Sherylynn Byrd, who chairs Alcorn’s Department of Mass Communication, that she “cannot confirm any allegations … from an unauthorized source” and that “such information should be dismissed as campus gossip.” Perteet also said the cancellation was an administrative decision and that “regardless of the reason,” all decisions are made in the best interest of the chapter.

The memo asserts that the Gamma Phi chapter is active and that all chapter operations are continuing. Perteet completed the memo by reiterating that she “does not owe anyone outside of [the] sorority an explanation for the cancellation.”

The interest meeting for the chapter was tentatively rescheduled for March 8.

Hazing at Alcorn State University has become an increasing problem.

Most recently, the Eta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. expelled five members for inappropriate conduct and alleged hazing activities. The expelled members appeared before the Disciplinary Committee at Alcorn State on Feb. 22 on charges that they continued to represent themselves as members of Omega Psi Phi both on and off campus. The Disciplinary Committee has not yet made a determination regarding the five students.

The Delta Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was suspended from the university in 1998. The organization was reinstated in 2004 and has since conducted a membership intake and is in good standing with the university.

The Delta Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was suspended in 2003 for alleged hazing activities. A lawsuit was brought against the fraternity and the university; however, a settlement was reached in December. Rickey Thigpen, Area Four director and chairman of College Brothers Affairs for Alpha Phi Alpha, said no determination has been made on when the chapter’s suspension will be lifted and that there are to be no chapter activities and no on-campus presence for the organization.

The Alpha Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma was under membership intake suspension for the fall 2006 semester; however, the organization will have intake for the spring semester.

The Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was also suspended in 2005 by the university. That suspension has been lifted and membership intake will be held for the spring semester.

Alcorn State’s interim president, Malvin Williams Sr., reiterated the university’s position on hazing at a joint informational session on Feb. 21. “If you are afraid to talk to an adviser, you can come talk to me,” he said.

J. Samuel Cook, a student at Alcorn State University, is interim editor-in-chief of the Campus Chronicle. He is a member of the Eta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

By Jess

March 9, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I was in a sorority and it is important for everyone to understand, greeks do not buy their friends!! The only reason there are dues is because at most schools greeks are not given ANY funding. Paying to be in a sorority or fraternity is no different than paying fees for cheerleading, soccor, singing lessons or any other extra-curricular activities. I however, do think that what DZ did was wrong. The need to learn that sisterhood is a bond that is made for life!

By Tanya

March 9, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Ladies,

I have not been particularly fond of some of the AKAs that I’ve met, but if any of you have recently been in or around the downtown Atlanta area, on Feb. 23rd I was visiting the Mariott Marquis and the AKA’s were hosting a convention.

I have never seen so many different shapes, sizes, colors etc. There were tall women, short women, slim women, larger women, old and young. Didn’t look to me like anyone was excluded.

There are enough people making sweeping generalizations about us, why do we have to make them about each other.

“Can’t we all just get along?”

By GDI

March 9, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

SwtRose, you didn’t say where you pledged, and I appreciate your take on sorors in general. Of course, you should stand up in defense of your sisters, but yes ma’am… I was indeed taken into a dorm lounge and asked to pledge. But AFTER I was asked to don white gloves before I touched a pillow stitched by a soror with pink and green. Lord forbid you touch pink and green with your bare hands.

There were incidents like that which helped shape my view of them. Right or wrong, that was my impression. And “legally” NO greek organization can use physical traits as qualifications for membership. That’s a lawsuit in the making!!

Have a great day SwtRose! By the way, nice screen name.

By Brad Pitt

March 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I’ll have to agree with Jason. Only Hotties need to apply please.

By GDI

March 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

KP - I wholeheartedly say AGREED! It was not the entire sorority.

(But I will still do my best to steer my daughter away from any HBCU here in Atlanta! Sorry!)

By Sarah

March 9, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Oh Boo Hoo…now the chubby sorority sisters are being treated like they want to treat other girls not in the sorority. Can we say who cares? What about the frat guys, can they still be fat and exist?

By Jo

March 9, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

BRAD PITT?!? You wish! ARMpit is probably more like it. Most likely, you’re even smellier & uglier than your idol Jason. Certainly you’re just as ignorant.

By Soon to be ?????

March 9, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Great Post Jess…I am not buying any friends…I am about to do grad chapter and at this point in my life it is to network at a higher level professionally anf socially…not buying friends bc in any group not all will get along or even like each other but the goal is to respect each other and move forward!!!!

By Brad Pitt

March 9, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Jo, Why doth thou protesteth so much? I’m guessing you were turned down for weight issues?

Love, Brad

By Jo

March 9, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Sorry to disappoint you, Armpit, but I never even pledged, as I dislike any kind of phoniness or cliquishness. And, (as if it’s any of your business)I’m no toothpick but I’m hardly obese. Just so you know.

By bk

March 9, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Maybe the DZs were like a lot of sorority girls—skinny as freshmen but they packed on the lbs from drinking?

Just a guess.

By Brad Pitt

March 9, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

All fat chicks describe themselves as ‘Hardly Obese”

By Sorority Sister

March 9, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

As a sorority alum, I enjoyed my experience, and it wasn’t perfect all the time. The selection process is grueling. I was a beauty pageant winner, an honors student with great grades, and also was in great shape, and got cut from many sororities during “Rush” (recruitment week). Was that fun? No. Did anyone force me to go through it? No. If I didn’t want to subject myself to it I wouldn’t have. But I made friends I still keep in touch with today and have great memories that will last a lifetime. Could I have had that w/o a sorority? Probably so, but at a school of 30,000 people, sororities help narrow your sphere of reference to a group of women who have common interests, and can share in intramural athletics, study groups, housing, socials, volunteer work, leadership, etc. Sororities are what they are - selective, PRIVATE organizations with rules, regulations, fees, and requirements. No one is required to join a sorority. If you don’t want to put up with the crap, don’t join one. They are SOCIAL clubs - that’s it - nothing more, nothing less - you do some volunteer work, meet people, go to meetings, etc. You learn a lot about dealing with other people - good and bad. Just as with anything there are politics - right or wrong - they are what they are. In our sorority, if you didn’t abide by the rules, you were out. And that included recruitment, appearance (not “thin” or “beautiful” per se, but neat and presentable and representing your organization well) If you missed “RUSH” (recruitment week) you were fined, and/or put on probation. It’s not like these people were kicked out of a public institution. They voluntarily joined this group and agreed to follow the policies, WHATEVER they are, however shallow they may be, the girls signed up on their own free will - and the policies I’m sure were presented to them from the out-set. The chapter is closing down anyway - I think that the whole thing has been blown WAY out of proportion… also, if the sorority were discriminating against this group of girls based on their LOOKS/weight/race only, they wouldn’t have accepted them as pledges in the first place, so it must have had something to do with the attitude or actions of these girls. I just don’t buy that it was based on their looks. …if the sorority were discriminating based on looks, the ousted girls would have been ruled out during the selection process and not even have been allowed to pledge. It doesn’t make sense. No one ever claimed that being in a sorority is the end-all be-all… it’s just a freaking college SOCIAL club - get over it! There are plenty of other more “serious,” less shallow clubs & organizations to join if you don’t want to participate in sororities. Many scientific and unscientific studies have shown that society rewards attractive people in business, in government, in schools, and in life in general…that’s what we should be concerned about - not who’s getting excluded from a college sorority.

By Jo

March 9, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

..and all Chewbacca lookalikes describe themselves as “Brad Pitt”

By Really?

March 9, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Sororities choosing members based on looks…

Really? Is this a surprise? I mean are you people really surprised? Have you all been living under a friggin rock? (roll eyes)

By Jacket05

March 9, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I dont really care what anyone says out there. All fraternities and sororities discrimanate on some basis. Typically the ones that don’t, are the ones that have girls or guys that at one point went back to their dorm to cry about not getting into the one they wanted to.

By Lawd!

March 9, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Lawd, I pledged Alpha 16 years ago and have excluded many over the years for WHATEVER REASON I CHOSE.

To see adults still trying to justify why they aren’t greek is hilarious.

Let it go. Nobody owed/owes you brotherhood or sisterhood.

By Jacket05

March 9, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

And I may also be a chewbacca look a like, but at least I was in a good fraternity and married a typical good looking sorority girl from a popular sorority.

(let the flame remarks being :) ).

By RHOyal

March 9, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I am a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, INC as my husband is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC. Reading through the comments, just puts out again the many misconceptions people have about greek organizations. It is not about buying friends; or that you have to look a certain way, or that you have to feel like you must belong. It is about the rich history of each of these organizations that make you want to be apart of them. SGRRho’s founders were educators; I was drawn to those who were already members by the way they carried themselves, GPA’s, etc. That is why I wanted to become a member. The problems these organizations face today is, we all need to become more selective in terms of the maturity level of those who want to become members; their work ethic, reputations, etc. As an undergraduate I can not tell you how many young ladies would say I want to become an AKA, Delta, Zeta or SGHRho, because they have cute colors or have hand signs or they are the best steppers on campus. Or the best ones were “I look like an AKA or Delta, whatever that meant!! There is no doubt that you have those out there who want to join because they think they will become popular, but in the end most will not make it, because we can not afford to carry any dead weight, not because they did not fit a certain pants size, or look. To keep a chapter running it takes a lot of work. It is not about what you all see in the movies or on TV. We go to schools and volunteer at churchs, soup kicthens, etc. Each organization has their own causes they support. We donate a lot of time, and personal and national funds to help those in need. But that is not what makes the AJC. You are going to have your bad apples in every group, and sorry if some have made a bad immpression. But to say I would not let my son or daughter join, to me is like saying I won’t let my child become a Girl Scout, or apart of the baseball team because this one person, or team or chapter I had a problem with, almost 20 years ago. Times change, people change and there are always two sides to a story. In one way or another we all want to be apart of something. For some it is not Greek life, it might be your chruch, or your job, or your fishing club, etc. Whatever it is, the same can be said about every organization out there. How many of us have heard of chruchs where you had to dress a certain way, or clubs where you had to make a certain income, or you were not accepted. Whether true or not these blanket statements can apply anywhere!

By LOLisa

March 9, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

@Jo - You go, girl. Put the industrial strength deodorant on that Armpit. What is he doing on a blog about sororities anyway? Both him and Jason are one brick short of a full load and you have held your own against their lame comments. Boys, take a hike for the day. Sorry, ladies only.

By KP

March 9, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Lawd,

13yrs for me…06

By AU-DSP

March 9, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

The only folks I have seen bad mouth fraternities and sororities are those who could not be a part of one. If you choose not to a part of a brotherhood or sisterhood, well hooty hoo! More power to you, but why put down the greek system? What is your need to “defame” something you chose not to be a part of? That type of behavior is reflective of class, respect and manners. Your lack of these traits is why you are not part of the greek system, not the weak reasons you feel the need to boast of.

By David

March 9, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. Each and everyone of you is prejudiced to favor more attractive people in your daily lives, but when one organization is true to a long standing condition that is basically reality, you cry and moan and protest. If you watch American Idol, you’re probably as bad as they are. Cut the idealistic BS. I was in a fraternity, and you know what it was? A drinking club that had to do community service and keep grades up to justify it’s existence. We discriminated based on whether or not you were a loser. You knowingly acknowledge sororities are shallow. If you’re not shallow and not pretty why go through the heartache of being told you’re not pretty? Sorority sisters bonds are some of the weakest I’ve encountered, but after all with your winning personality and condescending attitude, you don’t need to “buy” your friends anyway.

By Brad Pitt

March 9, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

You Win, I could never top that hilarious Chewbacca comment. You should do stand-up comedy.

By Lawd

March 9, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

KP…

Whassup Frat! I hope you see the comedy in all the explaining. If nothing else, it’s a good laugh to wrap up the work week.

‘06

By Old Sorority Woman

March 9, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I decided, after a year of college, to join a sorority. I was already established (involved on campus, had friends and a boyfriend), but wanted to be involved in something bigger than my college experience. When I move to a new city, I know I already have a sisterhood established. These are women who can help me get adjusted/find a place to live/connect me with babysitters/etc.
FYI—-Nothing prepares you for the real world more than Rush. The skills I learned from having to connect with someone quickly (how to make small talk, “sell” my abilities and organization’s strengths, hone my interpersonal skills, etc.) have been applied to job interviews and life (note—-I have never interviewed for a job and not received an offer). If you elected not to be in a sorority/fraternity, don’t knock those of us who did. Numerous data supports the fact that Greeks donate more money to organizations (including their university’s alumni associations) and participate in philanthropy projects more so than non-Greeks after graduation. Speaking of which, they also have a higher graduation rate than non-Greeks. In addition, most politicians/CEOs/leaders in society were Greek. If you are uneducated on the Greeks of today, I recommend you visit a college campus. See who is making a difference there!

By Francis Davenport IV

March 9, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

“greeks do not buy their friends!! The only reason there are dues is because at most schools greeks are not given ANY funding.”

Most people don’t need funding to maintain friendships. That’s why people say greeks buy friends.

By CMS

March 9, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Can some one expain to me what greek do outside of college that is benificial to society? And is there full participation by your fellow brothers and sisters. If not how do you get/keep your brothers and sisters in check?

By David

March 9, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Yeah you don’t have any funding when you maintain your friendships, but when I was maintaining mine we had a whole bunch of money to throw stupid fun parties that usually resulted the forming of more shallow friendships that might last a night or more. Now many of those friends I bought are opening up networking avenues for developing my professional career. And you know what? A lot of senior level businessmen formed those same shallow bonds when they bought their friends. So all that money I spent buying my friends also bridges the generational gap enhancing my ability to build rapport. If you want to be Democratic about it, which I am choosing to be in this instance only, I “invested” in my friends and “invested” in my future, but unlike most Democratic plans, this investment is actually paying dividends.

By Francis Davenport IV

March 9, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

David, you sound like a real business tool. Bet you’ve got a state school BBA and work in entry-level financial services (but tell people you’re a money manager).

By Francis Davenport IV

March 9, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

David, you sound like a real business tool. Bet you’ve got a state school BBA and work in entry-level financial services (but tell people you’re a money manager).

By Francis Davenport IV

March 9, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

David, you sound like a real business tool. Bet you’ve got a state school BBA and work in entry-level financial services (but tell people you’re a money manager).

By David

March 9, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Francis you sound like a real psychoanalyst, boy you sure got me pegged. I’m really happy there are Dr. Phils like you out on the internet to shoot straight like you. yeah I went to a lousy state school, Georgia Tech, but hopefully I can make it past the fact that I didn’t receive the fantastic classical education that you did at whatever expensive no name private school it is that puts that smug grin on your face. Oh boy look at the time, I have to go pester more professionals who were foolish enough to drop their business cards in my fishbowl. For those who aren’t so hot on sarcasm, this message has been full of it. And no Francis, I have nothing to with the financial world.

By Michelle

March 9, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

“I was in a sorority and it is important for everyone to understand, greeks do not buy their friends!! The only reason there are dues is because at most schools greeks are not given ANY funding. Paying to be in a sorority or fraternity is no different than paying fees for cheerleading, soccor, singing lessons or any other extra-curricular activities. “

I’m sorry, but I saw the list of fees that those organizations charged to be one of their elite, and unless you come from money, you won’t be able to afford it. Fees paid to cheerleading, soccer, go to tangible equipment and legitimate expenses. Greek organizations keep their fees high to keep out the riff-raff. Ever notice how the Greeks are almost all rich kids?

By Dr. Ruth

March 9, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

AKA hater, you need a life. LIFE GOES ON! There are many organizations out there that are good and bad. Not all sororities and fraternity are BAD! Chapter members make the chapters look bad. Chapter members and their graduate chapters that have good intentions will always remain a positive staple on campus. You see so much positive things come out of sororities. You will see community initiatives and outreach services coming from a progressive group. You will also see the members excel at academics. Finally, you will see the chapter remain active on campus and not get into bad press. Irregardless, you will always have haters and nay-sayers that are angry for not being invited (pledged or not).

By Sabs

March 9, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

“Ever notice how the Greeks are almost all rich kids?”

Ummm not rich here, but was still in a fraternity. I just worked my way through school and paid off the bills. It was actually cheaper to be in a fraternity/sorority than live off campus or in campus housing due to us being private organizations.

Plus, even though I bet that guy David above is a huge douche bag, yeah I said it, he is correct in the business world connections, stemming from those made in while in these groups…it can be a huge help.

By Kat

March 9, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Seriously, the only people who are impressed with Greek organizations are the people who are in them and possibly a few freshmen who want to be in them. The other 99.99 percent of us really, really don’t care. I can’t stress this enough. It’s not that we resent you or are jealous, we just don’t care. If you enjoy your sorority/fraternity, that’s fine, but quit trying to convince the rest of us that we should be impressed. If I could buy you for what you’re worth and sell you for what you think you’re worth, I’d be a billionaire.

By Kat

March 9, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

PS, Dr. Ruth, irregardless is not a word.

By You know it

March 9, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I, honestly, wouldn’t put it past a sorority to do something like that. My fiance is a frat boy, so I spend my fair share with the sorority girls. I’ve never been keen to greek life, but of course, there are the few bad apples of the greek community. I know of one fraternity that hosts a charity event which includes the black neighborhood kids picking cotton.

The only good thing I can say about the greeks is that they throw awesome parties.

By HU Alum

March 9, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

After reading some of the comments, I felt compelled to write. I graduated from Howard U in ‘92 and I did not join a sorority because in my sophmore year (the ideal time to pledge) the 2 “popular ones” AKA & Delta were suspended. They were “back on the yard” in my junior year, but I decided that since my parents were paying for my tuition, I had better keep my grades up. At any rate, I did observe the “practices” on how “perspectives” were treated and when they “crossed”, they became different people. This is not a generalization of ALL, just some of the ones I KNEW. Yes, we all are guilty of “judging” people based on insignificant things. One thing is for sure, if you study the history of these sororties/fraternities you will see that they were NOT founded on non-sense. Unfortunately, some members have chosen to “sway” away from the TRUE purpose and this is what gives them a bad name. GDI, let me say to you, that I am sorry about your experience at the AU because I hold ALL HBCUs near & dear to my heart. And please, allow your daughter to attend an HBCU, IF she chooses to. Even though I did not pledge, I still have made LIFELONG FRIENDS during my college years and I do give back when I can. Have a great weekend!!!!!

By Posh

March 9, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

GDI, I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We NEVER ask anyone to join and NEVER will. We don’t have to chase around recruits— EVER. I will believe that George W. bush likes black people before I believe you were asked! Maybe in your mind or dreams you thought you were being pursued, but I can bet my last dollar that you wanted to join, started kissing up to my sorors and when the heat was too hot.. you stepped back and got p** when the others went over and everyone laughed and talked about you. I can tell by your fervor that you have been waiting a LONG time to say this crazy stuff. But you know what?? Whatever happened to you in 1993-1994( over 10 years ago) you should have forgiven those people and moved on by now. The fact that you have not is disturbing.

For you to STILL be ranting about your hatred of black colleges and our sororities and fraternities years and years later speak to problems that you have deep in your soul. So sorry, AKA or the AU Center has nothing to do with that. You need to talk to Jesus.

By Swangirl

March 9, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I saw a segment on TV about this and want to add a few facts. When open house was held at this sorority’s house during fall rush, the “ugly girls” were told to either not be in the house or to stay upstairs so the pledges would not see them. Later, the “ugly girls” were told they were no longer members but would be “alumna” of the sorority.

The lame reason given for revocation of their membership was that they were “unwilling to do what it takes to recruit new members.” Well, if you’re told by your chapter to literally hide during open house during rush, you can’t exactly recruit new members, can you?

I attended UGA in the late 80s and early 90s and most of the Greeks I knew spent more time nursing hangovers in class than contributing anything significant. Not ALL, but most. I had an internship in my junior and senior years while most of them were still drowning themselves in booze every night. I gained more confidence and career readiness from that than any sorority.

If you want to be “lifelong friends” with people who only hang out with “pretty” drunks, then go for it. I hope you never have an accident that scars you for life because those “lifelong friends” may suddenly vanish on you.

By Larry

March 9, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

I bet the people on here dogging Sororities and Fraternities are probably the ones that were not accepted or did not have the self- esteem to even try and get accepted. I am not even in a Greek organization, but I “proudly” graduated from an HBCU with my Bachelors and my Masters. Based on that experience, I know the African-American Greeks do not seek out people to join.

By David

March 9, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Swangirl:

That’s the beauty of a double-standard!

By CMS

March 9, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Yeeeaaaaay!!!! Its ugly people versus pretty people day!! Yeeeeaaay!!!

By kiaserfia

March 9, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

When I was in college, my younger sister overheard a conversation regarding her best friend who had participated in greek rush week. The girls weren’t concerned about her appearance, it was her financial status (her family’s status actually) that caused them to pass her by.
Several years later now and I’ve been hiring college girls for several years. All of them have mentioned being pressured and insulted because they didn’t have as much money or had to work unlike the other girls.
Money is the issue at UGA, not looks.

By ginlyn

March 9, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

If that is the norm for Delta Zeta houses, that one must “conform” to the national board’s standards, then these girls should have known that information.

It’s called research, ladies.

I agree that one should not have to conform to anyone’s standards. On the other hand, these college students went into this sorority KNOWING the “rules”. So if they got kicked out it is their own fault. I’m not saying it’s right, but it is the clubs right to have it’s own membership policy.

Aren’t Greek houses private?

By Swangirl

March 9, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

“I bet the people on here dogging Sororities and Fraternities are probably the ones that were not accepted or did not have the self- esteem to even try and get accepted.”

I doubt it. I think most non-Greeks wanted to spend money on more uselful things than ways to “build our self esteem”. Why would I have wanted to waste my time trying to be accepted by people whose habits and values I found reprehensible?

By Bella

March 9, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE… The issue isn’t about who’s chosen for a sorority. The issue is about having your membership REVOKED once you’re already in… No one is addressing that situation in this blog…

By OMG!

March 9, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

I do believe that the human race has officially fallen to the bottom of the food chain. WHO CARES!!!!

By hca

March 9, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Frats & Sororities are just social clubs. They have activities. Parties, trips, get-togethers. Theses things cost money - that’s where dues go to.

Finally - I will say this when I was in College we let a few guys in because they were a legacy or because someone b***. But they did not fit in and none of the brothers liked them. They were never included in anything and always ridiculed by the “in-crowd” guys in the frat. I don’t want to be somewhere where I don’t belong. And Neither do I want guys that I don’t deem worthy to be associated with me. Yes, looks are important (maybe not soo much as sororities) but I don’t want some guy in my Firm, Frat,or any group that does not take care of himself.

By Gretel

March 9, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

I find all the comments that sorority/fraternity opponents were either rejected by the “Greek” system or simply didn’t try because they knew they’d be rejected rather humrous. I ws in a sorority for a very short time and left because of a “mean girls” incident. I found out what was behind it all. This DZ incident does not surprise me. My daughter recently deactivated from a sorority. She was appalled at how rush works from a members perspective. All that rejection of others was repugnant to her. As well it should be. We taught her to accept everybody on the basis of their souls, not their looks.

By Dave Armstrong

March 10, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

At my Fraternity we rushed and extended an invitation to everyone who walked through the door and expressed an interest. If they were good enough to get through the Admissions Office at the University, they were Brothers to us …

By Mike in Woodstock

March 10, 2007 4:30 AM | Link to this

Never did get offered to pledge. Maybe it was because the first question out of my mouth at every house was, “Do I get to go through the spanking machine?” Can’t figure it out. Never got invited back.

By Mike in Woodstock

March 10, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this

Of course, in retrospect, it probably didn’t help my cause that I would walk around campus in my leather chaps.

By Keisha

March 10, 2007 5:57 AM | Link to this

AG (above is funny). She tells you everything you need to know about black fraternities and sororities. While she praises her sorority for taking in something along the lines of “all types of women”, she fails to tell you that the only “type” of woman that her sorority would accept would be a soul sister.

Moreover, she was probably one of the people raising hell a couple of years ago when AGD at UGA didn’t want to let any black girls in. Once again, the blacks apply the double standard - its OK for them to discriminate, but not for the white DZ girls to tell the uglies to get out.

By Peachy

March 10, 2007 6:57 AM | Link to this

Ahhhh…the sorositutes…someone said it all….why buy your friends? Do it the right way, be someone others would want as a friend. Give up the herd mentality. The big sister/little sister thing is sooo sickening.

By Joy

March 10, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I love my sorority and sorors but I must admit I was asked to pledge at an HBCU. Just wanted to let people know that this does happen. I already had interest in the Sorority but was asked by another member who approached me in the dorm saying she liked the way I carried myself in class and on the yard and they had a line coming up and would I be interested. I was stunned. I did not pledge at that school but I will never forget that conversation. She was also held a high position in the Sorority.

By Grant

March 10, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This entire story is such nonsense. The fact is the women in this chapter voted to close their own chapter. That is what necessitated the national organization getting invovled in the first place. If the women voted to close their own chapter is it any surprise they didn’t want to do the work to recruit future members? And now they are whining about this and acting like victims. Good luck to their former bosses who actually want them to work!

By Curious

March 10, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else think it is funny that black sororities and fraternities always include the , INC after each one.

I always think of that TV show back in the 80’s called Kids Incorporated.

I do agree that all the members of “traditionally” black sororities and fraternities should stop voicing their opinion, as they are being racist and basing their membership on something as trivial as skin color. Don’t try to act like you are the same because at most major university there is a separate sub-section of the Greek system with specific adminstrators dedicated to these groups. Why the self-segragation? If that is what you want then fine, but back the other groups when a stink comes up about them wanting to (not) accept someone for whatever reason they want. That is only fair.

I was in a Fraternity and we never judged based on skin color, size, their financial status, but more for the type of person they were and if they would be a good fit personally with the group and contribute to the betterment of the organization as whole. This was a great experience because it allowed me to meet people I shared interests with who came from all sorts of different walks of life.

Just like any organization or activity you will only get as good of an experience as how much you put into it.

By Uhhuh

March 10, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Joy, joy, joy…

• Already had an interest
• A high-ranking member asked you to pledge
• You didn’t go over

Hmmmm.

By Candice

March 13, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Joy, In the words of Jay Z “We don’t believe you, we need more people”. That one girl asking you to pledge is not indicative of a whole chapter seeking you out. Sigh.

By Tony

March 13, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Curious,

If you are trying to say that black fraternities and sororities discriminate based on skin color, then I would say that is a lie. All black fraternities and sororities have white members. If you don’t see a lot of white members, don’t blame it on the black frat or sorority. People join the organizations they want to join.

By Lynn

March 13, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Curious don’t get ticked with the blacks because we take our greek organizations serious and don’t view them as just some college-related drinking, sex group ONLY organization. We are actually responsible to do our community service and maintain active,strong ties after college and STILL do community service work. Your pointless, racist insults actually are a great example as to why black greeks have to protect their best interests in the first place. Thank you for that example. Forcing you to let us into your organizations does not work for us.

As well, the reasons black greek organizations were created were because “your” people wanted to stay separate from us. You continue this same racism to this day and then have the nerve to act shocked and appalled when we decide to quit begging for your “friendship” and just do our own thing. Don’t you dare try to toss this back in our laps.

Also, remember EVERY race that has a variation of skin colors tend to have the issue of internal racism… black, Latino and Indian particular. You need to study other cultures besides your own to so you can broaden your scope.I don’t agree with it, but it is reality.

Now Joy, I do not believe you at all. If you were so sought after….why did you not pledge at school when this “high ranking soror” came to you? I’m with Candice, we need more people, including the high ranking soror.

By Patrick

March 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

It’s important to remember that a private organization has the absolute right to exclude people to its membership, no matter how distastful you think it is. The boyscouts do it, civic organizations do it also, we all choose the people we surround ourselves with. We all discriminate in one way or another.

By Maxine

March 13, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Lynn I agree everything that you said. I just love how people like the Curious person tries to do the reverse psychology thingy. Insult us, isolate themselves from us, then turn around and ask why we created our own groups. Wow x 10.

By Kevin

March 13, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Amen Lynn!

By Cassie

March 13, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

I find this entire thread (of postings) to be quite funny.

I’m 33, and completing my undergrad. My parents weren’t rich (hence, undergrad at 33), and so I worked my way up the hard way.

And yet in completing my undergrad, I see a good deal of silly young things focusing on what sorority they want, and not what grades they need, or what internship they need, or even what career they plan to enter.

So…who gives a F? College is there to provide you an education, a foundation for your future life.

By coach

March 13, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

we called them the EZ DZ. for obvious reasons…

By Beauty

March 13, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Ladies, gentlemen, everyone. This article is NOT about Alpha Kappa Alpha. I’m sorry, but anyone that goes into the comments section of an article about a PC Sorority to whine about something that occurred 10+ years ago has a problem. That’s not sharing an experience, it’s continuing a grudge.

Please let these people continue to discuss the article above.. which has nothing to do with Alpha Kappa Alpha.

By I Felta Thigh

March 13, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Sororities SUCK and are exclusive to the point of being racist. Thank God when I went to school I didn’t join one just to pay to have friends. At my school they were considered losers, along with the fraternities, who also had to pay dues to have any friends for socialization. Long Live GDIs!

By Kelly

March 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

I attended a small, private college that did not have a Greek system. Throughout my time there I established many close friendships that I still maintain to this day and do not feel like I missed out on anything by not being in a sorority. I personally do think that sometimes being in a sorority causes girls to feel pressured to conform or fit in with the accepted “standards” within the sisterhood and therefore, stifles individualism as a result. However, my sister and most of my best friends were in sororities at big, SEC schools and they are incredible people and really enjoyed the experience. I think it’s different for everyone and really depends on the type of person you truly are.

By kat

March 14, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Sororities are private organizations and as such should be able to include or exclude whoever they want. It may not be a popular or PC choice, but it is their right to choose who they want in their organization.

By Joe

March 14, 2007 3:41 AM | Link to this

I really don’t know if all fraternities ask perspective members to join, but I had a golf scholarship and the quarterback said the kappa fraternity had never had a golfer to pledge, but wanted very much for me to join here organization. I had always heard horrible stories about eating worms and being paddled by the members. This stayed in my mind so much that I was afraid to take the chance. I have since become a graduate kappa, but the bond that the guys share that crossed the line and the fact that if you go to an interview and the interviewer is your frat brother makes me wish I had crossed over. Go rabbit ears !

By F THE GREEKS

March 14, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

I joined a Frat and was into it big time for years, after college I realized what a joke it really was. It is really just a club to party with friends in. There are some good and bad ones, but overall I think they are a good way to meet friends, but they need to be taken not so serious. And the memebers of the school need to determine who they include, not the organization that just takes your money for having friends. We had our nationals come and they sent invites out to everyone and it made everyone quit, and as soon as they left we started over again. I was not rich, and worked 40 hours a week, so to all the GDI’s out there and the rest who couldn’t get in don’t hate the Greek system, b/c you chose not to join. I still had friends outside the Frat but it was fun to have socials and special events, which you could not have being a GDI.

By Michelle

March 14, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

What’s a GDI?

By KA

March 14, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

I was in college in the early 70’s during the hippie era, but with sororities in full swing on my campus, FSU. For the most part Greek sorority ‘sisters’ were a bunch of overdressed and over made up, conceited and condescending b##ches. There was no way was I going to wear pantyhose when it was 95 degrees and 100% humidity in order to impress other women. The DZ’s on my campus were known as the Easy DZ’s. I was GDI…

By KA

March 14, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

to F the Greeks, Actually as a GDI I had more social opportunities than my sorority freinds. I had freinds in frats and went to their parties, but the best parties were our GDI Spades tournaments (card game y’all).

By KA

March 14, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Sorry for typo on friends in previous post, I am a dyslexic typist!

By lovelyliz

March 14, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

I don’t have a real problem with sororities excluding whomever. If a sorority wants only beauty queen airheads, women who drink like a fish or those with a social and $$$$$$ pedigree let them have at it, but they must be upfront about it and if the associating college doesn’t agree, they have the right to ban them.

By Tish

March 14, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I’m a proud alumnae of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, I’ll admit that I have seen my share of drama with my local chapter (I live outside of Georgia), but the women who are members are such a wonderful, intellegent & diverse group of women that I am proud to call my sisters.

There are always going to be people who don’t understand the Greek System and are quick to judge & criticize the unknown. I’ll wholeheartedly admit that there are some major flaws within some fraternity and sorority systems on SOME college campuses, but NOT EVERY CHAPTER OR ORGANIZATION should judged soley on the bad decisions made by the few.

Fraternity and Sorority life isn’t for everyone and yes, people join and later resign when they realize that it’s just not for them…It’s like any other organization. Not all sorority girls or frat guys are elitest snobs…Unfortunately the portrayal in the media has framed the GLO’s (Greek Letter Organizations) as such.

When I read about the DZ situation at DePauw, I was upset as it does give a serious impression that the National Officers, who made the decision to put the women on Alum Status, had made their decision based on the overall image of the sorority on campus. I know that the National offices of DZ made a statement to the contrary, so if it was a true “restructuring” issue for the chpater, it was obviously done in an incorrect manner.

Please don’t judge every sorority by the actions of a few people, OK? We’re not all self-centered, image & status consious snobs.

By TOHS

March 14, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

I don’t see what the big deal is. This sorority is picking people based on their looks and everyone has a fit. Why is it bad that they have standars? If you’re “too ugly” to get in, deal with it. Do people sue Mensa when they tell them that they’re not smart enough to get in? Do people sue football teams when the coach says, “you’re not big enough” or “you’re not fast enough”, etc…?

By Kay

March 14, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

OK for those of you who have never been apart of the Greek System….it’s exactly everything you ever thought it was. I was and Alpha Gamma Delta at West Georgia and I plainly remember during RUSH that we “cut” girls because they were fat and/or ugly. We even discussed these reasons outloud during voting sessions. Although I ended up quiting my sorority because of all the backstabbing and rumors…I understand why DZ did what they did although I am not agreeing with it.

Let me explain: Each chapter is expected to maintain a certain quota or aka..a certain number of girls in the chapter to keep it running. If each year during RUSH the chapter fails to do this, eventually Nationals will take their charter away (which means they won’t exist anymore).

By NUPE

March 14, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

I feel that it should be the perogative of the current chapter members who they want to have and who they don’t want to have. If they want to deny someone because of whatever reason they come up with, it is their business and nobody else’s. I am a member of KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED and it pains me when they give membership to my organization away because people have the money to pay.

Unfortunately, that is the trend that we are seeing.

By ItsGreekToMe

March 14, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

FOR ALL YOU BOYS saying that only “hotties” need to apply to the sorority: HOW ABOUT all you FRATERNITIES go by the same standard? I’d like to see some good-looking gentlemen as fraternity boys - instead of the beer guzzling (thus, beer-bellied), shaggy haired, untucked shirts, sloppy, shower-once-per-week kind of guys that were in EVERY fraternity in my college!

I was a member of a sorority that was originally founded as a LITERARY SOCIETY, and it is the second oldest secret society for women… (come on girls, you know the pink ladies I’m talking about.) ;-)

Unfortunately, each individual chapter at every college is different based on its own chapter leadership — and I hate to say it, but they will discriminate on first impressions and ‘cuteness’- as well as many other factors (GPA, social involvement, etc) in their recruitment processes and conversations.

However, most sorority are NOT full of mindless, vapid blonde bimbos. I have some of my best college memories thanks to my sorority - and I made some of the best contacts (professional and social!) that I will use for the rest of my life!

By LEC

March 14, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Curious all divine nine organizations put the “INC” in the organizations name because they are all Incorporated.

By Kay

March 14, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

WHAT IS A GDI?

By Kay

March 14, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

do you all think GAYS should be allowed to pledge a sorority?

By Sebastian

March 14, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

GDI stands for God D*mn Independent, something I was by default at FSU. Insulting, or a badge of honor? I really didn’t care one way or the other. I didn’t go to college to be in a frat so it just didn’t matter. Some of my friends were in frats, some weren’t… it just wasn’t that big of deal. I worked for a catering service while at FSU though, and we’d cater big socials… and it never failed that we were treated like shoe scrappings while on the job. Go read the parts about catering in “Fight Club” if you want to know how that story ends.

By MP

March 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

I was in a sorority for 1.5 years then dropped (of course I am a member for life or when they need money!!). I dropped out because I was tired of being told when and where I had to be and where I had to study. I was penalized because I had a job and missed parties and such. It had its fun side and there were some very nice girls but it had it share of uppity snobs and that I can do without. As far as recruiting only the most beautiful…ours had a wide array of women, all beautiful. But there were some on our campus that admitted to judging by color, weight, and money.

By abc

March 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Fraternities and sororities are for elitist jerks that need the reassurance of such a group to make them feel good about themselves and their lives.

By Reality Check

March 14, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Some folks believe they need group exclusivity to feel and be important.

Raise your children to be independent thinkers and teach them to blaze their own trails.

Homogeneity stifles progress.

By DwayneL

March 14, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Fraternities & sororities are private organizations and they can choose or NOT choose whomever they like. PERIOD. End of story. Why the fuss?

To abc, fraternities and sororities are full of elitist jerks and that’s why I loved the years I spent in my fraternity. Why would I want to hang out with a bunch of ugly loosers?

By Samantha

March 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Telling ANYONE to “get over it” & “move on” is the cruelest, most heartless, insensitive thing you can ever tell a person & to say that shows you are the lowest subhuman! Do any of you KNOW what it’s like to be “ugly”? My boyfriend’s younger sister was born with a severely disfigured face. She was the sweetest girl but all her life she was treated horribly & once was beaten so bad she was in the hospital almost a month. P.S. She committed suicide the summer before her senior year in high school. So, pledging a sorority wouldn’t have even been an issue for this poor girl whose life was all about struggling just to stay alive & unhurt. Those of you who still believe she deserved to be treated like dirt; well, I hope you all get cancer!

By GDI & Proud

March 14, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

DwayneL, if anyone’s an “ugly looser”, it’s YOU! And what makes you even more of a “looser” is that it’s spelled “LOSER”…”Looser” is probably what your mama is.

By Emma

March 14, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

For those of you that pledged a sorority or a fraternity, were you ever kicked out? Was an entire group discharged for any reason other than committing a crime?

By LeeBee

March 14, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

I was in a sorority in college. I have wonderful memories and TRUE friends that came out of that experience. i wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

As far as money went, i was not one of the “rich kids”. I paid for my own dues from money I earned from summer jobs and babysitting during school. i did not pay for my friends. our dues went towards philanthropic events, paying to maintain a very large sorority house, paying a staff to run the house, and a house mother.

There are many famous people that were apart of greek organizations including mary perdue, bill cosby, ray charles, and Tim McGraw. many of these people have publicly talked about their fraternity or sorority and how they shaped them into the person they are today.

i resent when people say that greek organizations are all about looks. All organizations want to put their best foot forward. Looks is just one thing. We care about all of our members GPA’s, community involvement, and university standing. There is so much more to greek organizations than many people look at. Before you knock it, maybe you should have checked out what a great opportunity these organizations provide for young adults.

By Jay

March 14, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

“If you’re ‘too ugly’ to get in, deal with it. Do people sue Mensa when they tell them that they’re not smart enough to get in?”

First off, I don’t think anyone is suing; this isn’t a legal issue, it’s a principles issue.

Secondly, your argument wouldn’t sound quite so ridiculous if physical beauty were openly advertised as the sole criterion used to judge pledges. But as we’ve heard ad nauseum, sororities are looking for “smart” and “well-rounded” and “ambitious” and “selfless” girls with “diverse” backgrounds and interests.

If sororities want to base admissions on looks only, they shouldn’t pretend to have any more substance than a modeling agency or night club, and they certainly shouldn’t take offense to others calling them shallow.

By Llene

March 14, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I think people need to look at facts before the assume things. People are always quick to go on assumptions and stereotypes. Unfortunalty the New York Times was inaacurate and like always failed to review the facts and details before going into print. Most sororites to not exclude based on race, relgion etc. I am passing on a letter from Delta Zeta’s National Headquaters. Update on Delta Zeta and DePauw University February 26, 2007 Dear Fraternal Friend, I am sure by now that you have read the unfortunate New York Times article which involves our sisters at DePauw University. The article is inaccurate and grossly mischaracterizes the situation. It is important that our members and fraternal friends understand what has happened and the steps that the National Organization is taking to bring all parties to the table to find resolution and to support the women of the Delta Chapter at DePauw moving forward. It is in this vein that I ask you, as a fraternal leader, to support our DePauw members and Delta Zeta. Your support is an important part of our healing process. After years of struggling to recruit, Delta Zeta DePauw members voted in August to close the chapter at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. The women’s majority vote meant that they could live in the house and be relieved of active membership duties, including the intense work of recruiting on a daily basis. The intent was for Delta Zeta to close and reorganize to return at a later date. On September 12th the request for reorganization was denied by the University. The University indicated that Delta Zeta, which has been on the DePauw campus for 98 years, would not be guaranteed a return. University officials asked Delta Zeta to undertake a membership review. Delta Zeta members, who could support the national plan to actively recruit, were asked to remain active. Other members, who no longer wanted to engage in day-to-day recruiting, became alumnae members of the Sorority. The sole basis of the decision and the membership review was the women’s commitment to actively recruit.

It is here in communicating the results that we made a mistake. We misjudged how these communications would be received. Delta Zeta deeply regrets that. On December 2, we informed each woman by mail whether she would be relieved of responsibilities to recruit and become an alumna member or remain on active collegiate status. As you know, active status at a struggling chapter requires daily recruiting. In hindsight, Delta Zeta national leadership should have once again returned to campus and communicated the results in person with each woman. Finally, we are offended at suggestions that decisions made at DePauw were related in any way to our members’ races and nationalities. We are proud of the diversity of our members and alumnae nationwide, which reflect the mandate in our Constitution that members will be selected solely on their merits and without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin or handicap. On each of our campuses, our faces reflect those of the communities of which we are a part, and it is irresponsible to suggest otherwise. Without its diverse population, Delta Zeta could not thrive as it does on college campuses today. Article III, Section 3 of the Delta Zeta Constitution reads: “All members of Delta Zeta shall be chosen for moral, social and intellectual worth. Membership shall not be denied because of race, color, religion, national origin or handicap.” It is here that I ask you to support these women and Delta Zeta. Please spread the word about Delta Zeta, our good works, and our support for DePauw chapter sisters and our National Organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me at leadership@dzshq.com with your suggestions, questions and concerns. Sincerely, Debbie Raziano National President

By DwayneL

March 14, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

GDI & Proud, as a CPA and extremely intelligent individual, I know the correct spelling of loser. I placed the extra “o” in loser to drag it out like when you say “Looooooser” out loud. I feel for you as you obviously still hold a grudge against the fraterinity or sorority that didn’t let you in for one reason or another. I say it’s time for you to get over it and move on with your life. Hopefully you can get past these emotions and lead a semi-productive life.

By GDI & STILL proud

March 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

DwayneL, I’m a decent-enough looking guy, good at sports, got good grades, always had a girlfriend. I’m SURE I could have gotten into a frat if I wanted, but that’s the key. I DIDN’T want. I went to college for a decent education in order to enable me to get a good job, which I have now. I did NOT go to guzzle booze & roll around in my own vomit like a drunken pig (By the way, bro, your mom is GOOO-OOOOOOOODDDD!)

By john

March 14, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

if the monetary sources are from private contributions, then the institution can’t say anything about who is included or excluded. Now if the part of the funds come from the institution then thats a different story.

By Karen

March 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Llene: That letter is the sorority’s perspective. It’s not necessarily the truth. But it IS a good public relations effort!

By Sofunny

March 14, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

It is HILARIOUS to see these GDIs/rejects talk about what fraternity/sorority members “needed” and what they did not need.

Only one thing is certain, a brotherhood or sisterhood extened the members an invitation. You’ll never have one. Keep it moving…

By Kimberly

March 14, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Samantha: As emotional as that story was, it had nothing truly to do with the topic at hand. Please do not riddle us with sad scenarios to make some fruitless point. Yep, get over it and move on.

By mr3rd

March 14, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

AKA’s (nationally), DST’s (regionally)Tri-Delts, Chi-O’s, Phi Mu’s, ADPi’s, and AOPi’s (where I attended undergrad and grad school) are the finest women on the planet.

SGRho’s, Zetas, DZ’s, PiPhi’s, DG’s, ZTA’s are not in the aforementioned organizations for the aforementioned reasons.

By cl

March 14, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I would like to speak up to neither defend or to be critical but this needs to be heard. A very dear friend of mine was not chosen for any sorority. This girl was cute, smart and as connected as anyone; her problem, a physical deformity that made her not “perfect”. A not so big deal one either. But it could not be cured by diet, lipo, acne cream etc. Not one sorority, not even the dog houses, so to speak, would pledge her. Every other girl did get pledged. This girl was good friends with all of us no matter our affiliation and we all played and partied together but when it came time to go to our separate camps, she was left out. I look back now and feel incredible guilt for my part. I should have spoken up and been true to myself. For all of you greeks out there defending your right to be a part of the system, of course it is your right but do not even imply there is not discrimination and it is at times grossly unfair.

By Jay

March 14, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

“Only one thing is certain, a brotherhood or sisterhood extened (sic) the members an invitation. You’ll never have one. Keep it moving…”

This sounds very homoerotic.

By Rachel

March 14, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Kimberly, your response to Samantha was appalling, monstrous & innappropriate. Scares me to think people as selfish, bitter & mean-spirited as you are walking around. Enjoy your loveless future with the 40 smelly cats I’m sure you share your living space with. And no, you don’t “get over” the death of a loved one. I’d wish the death of a loved one on you except you probably HAVE no friends or family. Bitter hag…

By Jo

March 14, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Kimberly, you are wrong. Samantha’s tale had everything to do with the topic at hand. It demonstrates the lasting damage that can be done to a person by treating them badly. That girl did not deserve to be tormented & beaten up. Clearly, you “think”(?) she did, which makes you seriously demented. You are such a stupid beeeeeeyotch.

By sam

March 14, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Rice U. has it right. No sororities, residential college system instead where people are RANDOMLY assigned. Due to this process Rice ranks highest for INTERACTION amoung races. We need to abolish the good old boy and girl system of exclusion and go with random distribution of pledges PERIOD. They are an embarassment to the female gender and the human race.

By Magenta

March 14, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Just got around to reading this. Hey Jason: Define “ugly pig.” And while doing so, please get a mental picture of every female in your family and circle of friends. Would you want them treated that way?

And as for the second half of your erudite comment (“become productive members of society”), the whole point of the protest was that these girls were at the tops of their classes, very studious and ambitious…just not cover-girl types. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but stupid eventually ends up staying home. Alone. Like you.

By Peggy

March 14, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

How could the national office of a sorority swoop down on a college campus and dismiss girls who were already members? Hadn’t they pledged, been chosen, and paid their dues just like everyone else in the group? It sounds like a lawsuit is in order so that they, if nothing else, can recoup the dues they paid. The time they wasted in this sorority, however, is gone forever. As a life lesson it is a rather harsh one.

By Magenta

March 14, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Comment #2 and then I’m outa here…

We’ve got two separate topics here. First, “should” the Greek system exclude? Probably not, but they do. Anyone going in already knows this. To eliminate the problem, you’d have to eliminate the entire system.

However, the specific problem with DePauw was that these girls were ALREADY IN the sorority. Then someone from outside took a look and decided to “improve” the situation by EXPELLING the girls. That’s just wrong. Especially since it was done by off-campus alumni.

The decision-makers here don’t sound terribly bright. It was handled very badly all around.

By Jo

March 14, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Magenta, I think Jason feels threatened by intelligent women, as he himslef sorely lacks any intellect. He doesn’t get that originally, the whole concept of Greek societies was community service.

By Juice

March 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

If the Greek system is anything like it was back in early 90’s, the relative position of each fraternity and sorority is already set. Delta Gamma was and probably still is Delta Gorgeous, and ZTA was and probably still is Zits, T**, and Armpits. Chi Omegas probably still sing “Chi O, Chi O, It’s off the bed we go!”

But if a fraternity or a sorority wanted to move up, the national used to throw in some money. They would buy a nice chapter house, assign a full time resident alumni rep, expand the rolls to finance the expansion, and then slowly turn the membership over with beautiful people using the upgraded facility.

I mean, it’s done all the time. Looks like the DZ wanted to expedite it while doing it on the cheaps. No wonder they got exposed.

By I Felta Thigh

March 14, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

of course we always went to the frat and sorority parties. they were the only ones who could afford the good drugs….and all the girls appreciated good meth Personally my favorite Greek was Koppa Gram A Hash

By KA

March 15, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Who cares if you are/were Greek or not? I was GDI because I was not the June Cleaver type (during the preppie or pre-yuppie years) that pervaded the sororities when I was in college (‘70-‘74). I had my own social group, which included friends who were Greek. Each of us finds our own group in college. Some are formal, some informal, and there is no need to bash others because of their choices. Defferent strokes for different folks, y’all.

By lopro

March 16, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

My girl is a DZ! They can do what they want to. From what I have witnessed, trends like this come and go in their DZ chapter. The world is not a happy fluffy place. It’s a little wake up call I suppose. This situation was uncouth but they should just get the reputation as the snobs until the trend passes.

By airport worker

March 17, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

In reply to the “bad service” blog, I’m a worker at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson airport, and am required to have my ID badge renewed from time to time, and would like to share the frustration I encounter everytime I go to the security office to have my ATL badge renewed….In a nutshell, the women (and they are ALL women) make it perfectly clear that you, as an employee of the Airport, or Airline, are NOT their #1 priority. They make a point to let you know that their job function is certainly not at the top of their “things to do” today list. They simply don’t care about you, or the fact you have to have this done in order to do your job…The only thing they appear to care about, is letting you know that you are not a priority, and that they can get to you whenever they are done with their personal phone calls, or gossip between themselves. If I were in charge, they ALL would be fired immediately…..this, to me, is the attitude of a majority of city employees, especially airport employees….they are a joke…

By DW

March 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Gez i thought AKA was american kennel association. These sistas that i worked with all had the plate AKA on there car and they were all black fat dogs. SORRY

By Peggy

March 18, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

In reading the official letter I find a curious ommission. Race, color, religion, national origin, and handicap are mentioned twice. Nothing is mentioned about fat or ugly. Do they consider this covered under handicap or are they intimating that some races or religions are more prone than others to being fat and ugly?

At the very least the people who wrote this official letter seem rather naive and unfamiliar with the way the world really works. Either that or they’re just very ignorant. Obviously one can be stupid and be Greek but one cannot be fat or ugly and Greek. Perhaps that explains a lot about the mess the frat brother in the White House has put us in the last six years.

And BTW, if I was a Greek from Greece I wouldn’t be pleased by this whole Greek System at all. Seems an insult to one of the oldest cultures in the world.

By A SophistAKAted Lady

March 18, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

WOW! I am soooo tired of “grown folks” still trying to explain why they are not greek!

The truth is that most people did not have the guts to go to a rush because they were insecure and afraid of being rejected, so they didn’t try! I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and we are NOT a social club, we are a SERVICE organization. If you are not greek, then you will NEVER understand. I made a life long committment of service that has continued long after college. If you want to know what greek orgs do after college, go to any graduate chapter website and you may decide to retract your ill-informed statements!

The chicks that bash us, didn’t make it. The guys that bash us, couldn’t date us…Get over it already!!! There is no love, like greek love. You just don’t understand.

By Randy

March 18, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yes; of course fraternities & sororities use looks as a basis of acceptance. So do businesses, professional colleagues and many others … sub-consciously. Everyone has initial responses to people based on looks, and if your job is to ‘attract’ people to an organization then you’re smart to get good looking people to do the job.
Nothing wrong. These are private organizations. They ought to be able use whatever criteria they want to decide who gets in or not. I personally, never had any intention on joining one in college, because I couldn’t afford it. To each, their own.