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I don't want to see the late, great "Little Sister" program given a bad rap. I'm truly sorry to see it go.
I was a "Little Sister of the Shield" at Phi Delta Theta. It was a fabulous program. At the University of Florida, there was indeed Little Sister Rush. The fraternities held themed rush parties (similar to the informal rush parties the sororities held). There were "casino nights," "western night" etc.
Since the UF programs were quite regulated, I had never heard of any of the Little Sisters from any of the fraternities being labeled in any derogatory manner. The school's Interfraternity Council kept a pretty close eye on these programs.
Women were given a bid.. but there was no "pledging" per se. You became a Little Sister when asked. My group did hold a Little Sister initiation. It was more of a fun event hosted by the older sisters for the new sisters coming in.
The programs were very reputable. The little sisters were treated like gold, not like "slaves". The sisters were invited to dinner once a week, were invited to all fraternity parties, and most events. I remember going to the beach with them, swimming at a sink hole, and going water skiing. We were never asked to "clean the house" or act as "rush bait." It just didn't go on.
I just feel very fortunate to have been a part of this program. It's too bad it's not allowed anymore. Not only did I make new friends (I'm still in touch with one of the brothers-- he's married and has two kids now), but I met some fabulous women who I never would have met had I not joined the program.
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