[Jill1228]

Ok, unlike the thread that was in the Rush forum, I do NOT want this to turn into a Southern Bashing thread!

It started out with the (IMO) good news about 'Bama giving a bid to the first black sorority pledge (Gamma Phi Beta...GO SYRACUSE TRIAD!) and then went to hell in a handbasket from there!

We are adults and have class so let us keep this Civil! Don't disappoint me!

This is from today's Crimson White (U of Alabama's newspaper)

Minority students present at IFC Rush convocation
By Nick Beadle
Student Life Editor
August 28, 2003


Multiple minority students attended Wednesday night's Interfraternity Council Rush interest convocation at the Ferguson Center Theater.

Due to the number of people who attended the convocation for students interested in the University's traditionally white greek system, The Crimson White was unable to determine the number of minority students at the event. However, The CW was able to get an interview with a black student in attendance.

The student, who requested his name not be published, said he recently transferred from another school and was not too familiar with the Capstone's greek system.

"I was told [the convocation was for] all fraternities, but it doesn't matter; I like to have fun," he said.

The student did offer up, however, his impressions of the UA greek system thus far.

"I [think] it's not diversified enough," he said.

Following the convocation, IFC President Brad Wilson said he was very pleased with minority students' interest in fraternity Rush.

"Hopefully, we can find a house for them," he said, "find a place where they can all get along."

Black student Calvin Johnson, a Wetumpka native who graduated in May, was admitted to the Christian fraternity Lambda Sigma Phi in 2001. The fraternity joined the IFC shortly thereafter.

Earlier this month, Tuscaloosa black freshman Carla Ferguson accepted a bid into Gamma Phi Beta sorority, integrating the Capstone's traditionally white sororities.

Under this year's extended fraternity Rush schedule, fraternities can offer bids before the more formal aspects of the fall recruitment period begin, with some prospective new members having already taken bids.

Wilson said during the convocation, however, that until bids are announced and new members' pledge period officially begins on Sept. 12, students who have taken bids are still known as rushees, not pledges.

Wilson ran through several issues with prospective fraternity members at the convocation, including academics, drinking and hazing.

He had high compliments for UA President Robert Witt and tried to dissuade prospective new greeks from taking improper actions that would jeopardize the IFC's relationship with Witt.

"We do not want to mess this [relationship] up," Wilson said. "Your house will pay for it if you do."

Wilson also emphasized the opportunities that joining a fraternity can unlock for students at the Capstone, saying greek life can open doors to the SGA, honor societies and Capstone Men and Women.

"Someone in your house probably has connections," he said.

The two-day open house period of IFC Rush will begin Wednesday. The social events period will be Sept. 5-7, and bids will be announced Sept. 12.