I have more thoughts on this that I'd like to express, but I am quite tired and need to be more coherent to speak intelligently! I didn't want to answer the proposed questions, though.
-Am I open to people who are different from me?
Absolutely. I have friends of different races, religions, political affiliations, social views, etc. I love them just the same, though.
-Is my chapter reflective of society, or does everybody look, sound, pray and act in a similar manner?
In my chapter, when I was active, yes we were reflective of society. We had members of different races, different "types" of ladies - if you want to label them, we had the girls that parties, the girls that studied, quiet girls, outgoing girls, beauty queens, talented women, and just every day average, but fantastic women. We had girls on the dance team, color guard, student government, honor societies, band and the student feminism movement. I can't speak of my chapter before I pledged (1998) and things changed a year or two after I graduated, unfortunately.
-How do we communicate expectations for improvement in a sister's contribution to the Chapter? Is it neutrally determined and communicated, without regard to ethnicity, religion, personal appearance and other such factors?
Expectations should be across the board. There should be no difference in the expectations of a sister who is African American or a sister who is overweight from a sister who is Miss LSU. When we join Delta Zeta, or any sorority or organization, certain responsibilites are expected of us and we should all fulfill those obligations equally. Of course, some women want to take on further leadership roles, but in general, the expectations should never differ for any reason, especially superficial reasons.
-In light of what has happened at DePauw, how can my Chapter discuss this topic, and identify written standards at the local level to ensure diversity and inclusive membership practices?
My collegiate chapter closed in December, so right now this subject is not applicable. However, when we reorganize in the next 2 years, I would like to see a diverse group of women as our first pledge class and continue that trend. That is why most of us at MTSU pledged DZ - because we were the sorority that you could feel at home in and be yourself in. When we reorganize, I want to see that reinstituted.
-How do we communicate these principles to our local community?
This is something we've been discussing as alumnae. Whether it is writing local papers or speaking with the media about our personal experience with these principles, I think it is crucial for the community to recognize that Delta Zeta embraces diversity and ALL of our sisters. It could be as simple as wearing Delta Zeta colors, letters, etc. when you are out in a group to show that "we are Delta Zetas and we are a group of diverse women".
Okay, I am about to fall asleep, so I hope that made sense and all was spelled correctly!!
