Many had thought that the integration of the university’s sororities and fraternities would progress after Carla Ferguson, an African-American student, was offered membership in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority in 2003. More than two years later, Ferguson remains the only black woman to have been accepted into any of the 15 “traditionally white” sororities. The situation is similar at the approximately 30 “traditionally white” fraternities on campus, where students say that only one or two African-American males have ever been admitted.Perry has been ostracized because she chose to speak out on the issue.
“Most kids in the Greek system [here] have strange boundaries,” said Samantha Perry, a senior and former member of Alpha Delta Pi. “Their mentality is like, ‘I’m not racist, I have black friends — but I don’t want to recognize them as a sister or brother.’”
[...]
She explained Friday that she was at a chapter meeting in 2003 where sisters in the Greek system debated whether to allow Ferguson to get a bid at one of the campuses white sororities. After an initial vote to block Ferguson’s admittance, “people talked and decided to keep her around to boost public image,” said Perry. “To not appear racist.”
But see what the administration has to say...
Administrators, too, want to err on the side of caution. “I think we’ve had a lot of progress,” said Kathleen Cramer, senior associate vice president for student affairs at the university. “We see integration [in the Greek system] as something that we would never want to force.”Why do I imagine I hear the tinkling of ice in mint julep tumblers while the folks in the Big House talk about "the darkies getting uppity"?
Instead, Cramer said that the university has pursued Greek “multicultural awareness” programs that will “help students understand that they are the ones who have to make the change.” The programs encourage Greeks to think about minority issues and to invite speakers on racial issues.
Cramer also noted that the university has “other options” for minority students who wish to be part of the Greek system. There are four traditionally black sororities and four traditionally black fraternities at the university, she said. There are also two multicultural sororities and a Latino fraternity is currently in the process of being established.
“I’m proud of our system,” said Cramer. “Our goal is to have the best Greek system in the country, with a wide variety of options for students.”
“I don’t think this is a case of student racism,” added Cramer. “I think that as they interact more, it will take care of itself.”
Inside Higher Ed :: Integration Later
