muslim and wanting to rush
 

hi everyone!! so I just tranferred into a university this spring semester and I am really interested in rushing in the fall 2008. I will be a junior but still have 3 years left due to my previous university and current university having a clash on degree requirements. I am very active in my university in political, academic and community service organizations and back at home i am active in events and community projects that go on such as helping with debutante balls , working with migrant farm workers etc. I am really scared that if i go through rush that the fact that i wear hijab may make girls not want to get to know me or something. I watched many of my classmates and friends go through rush and COB this year and they all think i should do it . even the president of our country clubs social chair said she would write me a req. if i needed( shes non greek but her daughter is a delta gamma) so i was just curious as to what other people who are part of NPC thought or if they had any advice for me.

thanks in advance

It will entirely depend on the campus that you attend. Many chapters on less-conservative campuses wouldn't think twice about your beliefs or your wearing hijab. You might have a tougher time at a competitive school, such as those in the SEC. I would say if you are attending school in the Northeast, it won't make a difference.

If you do wear hijab through recruitment, I would recommend wearing one that is memorable instead of one that is white (if your beliefs allow). I remember the first time that I saw Benazir Bhutto wearing hijab made from a Hermes scarf. I wanted to wear one too. I thought she looked so chic and elegant.

thanks for the reply! i wont name my school but i will say i attend university in the state of texas. and thanks for the tip most of my scarfs are really colorful . hehe i wanted the Hermes one too when i saw it lol. how do i know if my school is competitive or not? is there a way to find out without giving away my school?

just wanted to point out that the country club social chair cannot write you a recommendation unless she is a sorority member. i am not familiar with delta gamma's rules, but perhaps her daughter can write one for you-some sororities allow their collegiate members to do so. only initiated members of sororities may write a recommendation to their sorority. they may not write a recommendation to another sorority.

also wanted to point out that many of the npc sororities were founded on christian principles, a few are nonsecterian and a few on jewish principles. i don't know if that would conflict with or compromise your beliefs.

all 26 of the npc sororities have national websites. you might want to check out the websites of the ones on your campus to learn a little more about what beliefs they were founded on.

I know that AT MY SCHOOL, that would not affect you at all [honestly, I couldn't even see it being brought up, except as a reference]. I suppose it really just depends on the campus. But what do you have to lose by trying?

There are also some threads started by KiteMom that posts Panhellenic information sessions in Texas. KSU Violet is correct about SMU.
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=93030
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ad.php?t=93223

If you have friends who are Greek encouraging you to go through, then it would probably not be an issue. I know that at my school (in Washington state) it would not affect you negatively.

Don't forget Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech. All have competitive recruitments as well.

I know you said you were interested in NPC, but I have never seen any Muslim women in those organizations, but you could pave the way for others. I know every NPHC has muslims and I have seen several wearing hijab at events.

Since I don't know what school you're at, I just have to ask if it's a party school. The reason I'm asking is because I have several Muslim friends and know from them that drinking goes against your religious beliefs. If you're at a party school, it's definitely something to consider, because would you be happy being in a social scene which is surrounded by something you can't partake in? Of course, if your school isn't a party school and there is more to social life there aside from drinking, then I say go for it.

I dont personally know of any in NPC either. alot of my family is NPHC so i have occasionally seen muslims in those orgs. as well as Latino greek organizations. Growing up being the only black muslim (im actually dark- skinned latina) in my private school, horseback riding lessons, etc. i am used to it.

Delta Gamma does allow this, so definitely ask her to put you in contact with her daughter if you're interested in getting a recommendation from her!

i definetly dont think our school is a party school lol. but yes you are correct we dont drink or party and i am ok with that. if i was not comfortable being in a social scene that is surrounded by something i couldn't partake in i wouldnt even come to college in the first place lol. i feel like socially if i am involved within my chapter in the many other events they provide other than parties and drinking i can definetly be happy... and hey at least they know they will have a designated driver lol

That's cute. :)

I don't have much to add since I'm very far from Texas. I just want to wish you well.

Ditto on this....I know several people who have gone through recruitment in Texas, and Recs are a must...Did someone already mention Texas A &M? I have heard they are very competitive also.

Another org you may want to consider..
 

is Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority
http://www.gammagammachi.org/

Youtube vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uetY0uvuBmw
and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8-0PKvU0Jw

I hate to be the lone voice of dissent...well not dissent but maybe "devil's advocate." First to the OP, I wish you the best of luck with your recruitment process. I just want you to be prepared when you go through that it may not be a pretty process for you. I'm from the south, and I know that there are FEW women who wear a hijab in the south. Apart from religious differences which frequently are an issue in the south, you'll just plain look different. I don't want anyone to confuse me with someone who agrees with this way of thought, but I don't want you going in thinking it won't be an issue. Be prepared to be asked rude things about your religion and dress...realize that it is more for ignorance than racism (I can't think of a more appropriate word right now.) Be prepared to tell them how you could be an asset to their chapter and how your beliefs would not prevent you from participating with Christian or Jewish based rituals (I want you to know that it shouldn't...no NPC group discriminates based on religion, and you don't have to be a Christian or Jew to understand or appreciate our rituals. The problem is...your relying on young girls to administer this ruling at a local level. Anyone that has participated in or advised during recruitment knows that collegians have their own way of choosing members that does not necessarily reflect on the thoughts of the (inter)national organization or the chapter's advisors.

She speaks truth.

Now, GreekChatters call her a racist and ignorant because she noted the truth regarding Southern culture similar to how I was portrayed.

Attack Guard dogs!

What about the "mandatory" outfits you would (as an active) have to wear during rush, and/or social events i.e. miniskirts, skimpy tshirts with the letters on them etc.? Strapless sundresses? Is that something you'd be able to do?

i doubt anyone will slam her because she shared her facts in a kind, nonconfrontational way.

The OP asked about religion. Not race. So please don't use "racism" as a catch word.

I think it's because she was providing a disclaimer that these weren't her views but that she's providing the views that others may have.

It's also the messenger and not the message. There are other posters who could've typed the same thing and gotten slammed for it.

Is that really mandatory to be in an NPC? Miniskirts, skimpy shirts, and strapless dresses??

I did the exact same thing.

Sorry, don't try to turn this around. I didn't even mention race until my greek system was insulted and forced it out.

Wrong, I did the same thing.

edit: I apologize for hijacking. Depending on the school it may make things more difficult. Hope for the best.

Of course it's not mandatory, but that's what some schools/chapters choose to wear. If you're having recruitment in August in Texas, with hundreds of PNMs going through, do you really want to wear jeans and long sleeved tops?

Then you should've quoted this part of my post, genius.

You may notice that AOII Angel even said, "I can't think of a better word right now."

And it's worth noting that she is potentially Asian, which means that race COULD play a factor, if people choose to be ignorant.

Don't nitpick.

The OP asked about religion. Not race. You don't nitpick.

Fine. I won't! :p

She couldn't think of a word for people who are "racist" against religion. Religionist?

i am not offended about by the comment about culture in the south. i live in a small little town in georgia where so i am aware of the southern culture but thank you for telling me i appreciate it.

also i dont think there are any stupid questions about my religion. i am willing to answer anything i would rather people ask me then to just assume.

and as far as the mandatory dress code. if i was around all girls i dont have to be covered. but if were some other situation i would cover ,skirts i can put pants or leggings under and tops i can wear a jacket over or a long sleeve top under , and i dont really know any universities that requires you to wear mini skirts or strapless dresses to anything they usually arent that specific... besides im sure if i explain to them in rush the situation and they give me a bid that they are willing to deal with my dress code.

and actually there are more than a few girls that wear hijab in the south. i dont know where you live but dallas,houston,arlington in texas and georgia, north and south carolina, florida and kentucky have huge muslim communities with plenty of girls who wear hijab. you may not see there but there are there.At my university alone there are at least 10 girls and i am not in a major city.

Great word!

Re: the "mandatory" clothing, my daughter is given a list in early summer of what she has to wear for rush week (the sorority usually buys the shirts) and she has all summer to find the little skirts, sundresses, matching flip flops, etc. They have "theme" days where they all look alike all week.

Possibly living in a culture far different than what you are used to could be a culture shock. If you have no plans in returning to a full musilum culture, it may work as it has for possibly some others.

If it is to big a thing to overcome, then the best thing to do is not join if you do not or will not feel comfortable with it!

If your concern is being dressed in cultural garb, Greek Social life does of course include males.

You and only you can make the final choice.:)

now i am confused
 

um ok im definetly confused. i was only raised in two places i was born and raised puerto rico and raised in the united states as well (so no i am not asian) ...i have worn hijab since i was 13 and i wear it all year long so yes jeans and a long tee in summer. i never lived in a muslim country i grew up in a gated community attended private prep school. pretty much everything i do involves me being the only person of color. to me going to the "hood" would be a culture shock(no offense to those who reside there). my religious attire doesnt (its not cultural) doesnt bother me. i love it and am comfortable in any situation i go into. greek social life does involve males i understand. From what i was told by a friend is that if i am active in the chapter with the sisterhood activities , commnity service and fundraisers (if i do end up with a bid) and choose not to go to a toga party or something that no one is going to think of me in a negative light.

but thanks for the reply's thus far

Amirah

BandG, don't listen to Tom.

Tom, you really shouldn't reply in these kinds of threads, you don't do it well, you don't mask your ignorance and the resulting confusion is unnecessary.

And BandG, my read of this thread is that you don't need much advice. You seem confident and secure in your beliefs, in your practices and that your campus is not unfamiliar with students that dress and behave the way you do. So if all of that is true, get your recs and go through rush and what will be will be. It seems like your head's on your shoulders straight enough that you'll be fine no matter what the result, be yourself, don't compromise, and see if there's a sisterhood that fits.

You seem to have thought about it a lot, which I commend you for. Also, keep in mind these things:

They won't talk about toga parties with guys during recruitment, so no big deal.

And if you get a bid, you can always go to socials and mixers and not drink, right? I don't know a lot about your religion, but would that be a problem, to just go and hang out? If not, then just keep in mind that you don't HAVE to stay home!

As for the drinking issue, a friend of mine up at school is Muslim, and he does attend parties with alcohol with the rest of our friends. He simply doesn't drink while he is at those parties. Also, many campuses have dry pledging (mine does, and I know we are not the only campus). The fact that she doesn't drink should not be a problem.