As more and more undergraduate students flock to the University of Mississippi Greek life seems to be on everyones tongue.
While a lot of students across the nation live for the day they pledge those few Greek letters and be come a distinguished member among the campus community; it seems like students are looking for answers. When I asked several students who have been at Ole Miss two or three years who were no Greek oriented why they did not join, I found that a lot of people did not know much about what the organizations did, that it wasn't going to benefit them for the future, and that they were racist.
Is it Racism or keeping tradition?
As it seems to be a continuous topic that lands its self in the media as well as gossip among students is the question of wither or not segregation exists in fraternity and sorority primarily in the South. The Crimson White, the official school paper of the University of Alabama posted an article in early September of this year discussing Alpha Gamma Delta and speculations of racisim by not selecting two recruits that looked amazing on paper but yet did not receive a bid for any of the 16 16 Panhellenic sororities. Studies show racism in Greek organizations is not unique to the University of Alabama.
"Unfortunately, race is an issue among fraternities and sororities throughout the U.S. More than 90% of fraternities and sororities have individuals of the same race as members," writes Rashawn Ray, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md., in an e-mail to USA Today.
Is it beneficial to my future?
A few members from the Ole Miss Greek life community shared their thoughts in a brief interview on the race question and as well as if joining an organization was necessary or not.
"Being in a sorority is a home away from home. They stand for something great. Their philanthropic based." said Anna Claire a junior accounting major and member of Tri Delta.
"They have great alumni associations post graduation." She continued.
When she was asked how she about the racism in Greek life she said,
"Nothing would hold us back from accepting new members [Tri Delta] ...but based on its history [Ole Miss] may have a problem with it."
Carolyn Hopkins, the House Director of Delta Gamma believes that being in a sorority is advantageous.
" I was a member of this sorority it is definitely an advantage because of networking. Our community service project is servicing the blind. We have a very active alumni. It's a very good networking opportunity and we have a strong history and national organization.
Mike, Jack and Alex a rowdy group of Sigma Phi fraternity were very passionate about students being in Greek life.
"Yes, 100% of our frat has our own job board and any member can log into, alumni post on sites all the time." says Jake.
"I joined for the brother hood. None of my parents were in Greek organizations. You make life long friends in a 3 month pledge process." says Mike. He goes on to address the integration of Greek life:
"Not at all we accept new members on character and beliefs.
Jake who is from New Jersey believes that race seems to only be a problem in Greek organizations in the South.
"I think the whole race issue in the Greek life only happens down here, up North I'm sure their may a little bit of an issue but nothing like down here.
In a face to face interview with a minority greek life member Chauncy Graham Omega Psi Phi he expressed his beliefs.
#Jourgreeklife
Is it beneficial to my future?
A few members from the Ole Miss Greek life community shared their thoughts in a brief interview on the race question and as well as if joining an organization was necessary or not.
"Being in a sorority is a home away from home. They stand for something great. Their philanthropic based." said Anna Claire a junior accounting major and member of Tri Delta.
"They have great alumni associations post graduation." She continued.
When she was asked how she about the racism in Greek life she said,
"Nothing would hold us back from accepting new members [Tri Delta] ...but based on its history [Ole Miss] may have a problem with it."
Carolyn Hopkins, the House Director of Delta Gamma believes that being in a sorority is advantageous.
" I was a member of this sorority it is definitely an advantage because of networking. Our community service project is servicing the blind. We have a very active alumni. It's a very good networking opportunity and we have a strong history and national organization.
Mike, Jack and Alex a rowdy group of Sigma Phi fraternity were very passionate about students being in Greek life.
"Yes, 100% of our frat has our own job board and any member can log into, alumni post on sites all the time." says Jake.
"I joined for the brother hood. None of my parents were in Greek organizations. You make life long friends in a 3 month pledge process." says Mike. He goes on to address the integration of Greek life:
"Not at all we accept new members on character and beliefs.
Jake who is from New Jersey believes that race seems to only be a problem in Greek organizations in the South.
"I think the whole race issue in the Greek life only happens down here, up North I'm sure their may a little bit of an issue but nothing like down here.
In a face to face interview with a minority greek life member Chauncy Graham Omega Psi Phi he expressed his beliefs.
#Jourgreeklife
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