Line names and Numbers

[Senusret I]

dzsaigirl: In another thread, you stated the following:

"What I do not understand is why some chapters insist upon using "line numbers" and such, when it has no significance in APO. I don't want this to sound wrong...I just don't see why you need to do that when it is not part of what the organization even recognizes?"


As a Brother of Alpha Phi Omega, certainly you realize that our Fraternity is immense, the largest of any Greek lettered organization. We also began our existence steeped in diversity, from a mixture of Greek and non-Greek, multiple faiths, Mason and non-Mason, etc. We had chapters at Black colleges before most of the United States desegregated. In fact, the chapters at Howard U. and Catholic U. in DC could ONLY have joint dances at the Jewish Community Center because they were the only facility in Washington at the time that would allow blacks and whites to socialize together.

Now, understanding Alpha Phi Omega's committment to diversity, and realizing how large we are, I hope you can see the flaw in your statement.

Firstly, you said "What I do not understand is why some chapters insist upon using "line numbers" and such, when it has no significance in APO."

This statement is actually correct. Line numbers do not have a significance directly to the history and ritual of the national fraternity. However, because some chapters have adopted this tradition, it BECOMES part of Alpha Phi Omega's traditions. You do not have to adopt them for your chapter or force those traditions upon your chapter's future pledge classes. But you need to understand that these are the traditions of certain chapters and that rather than criticizing why we "insist" upon having them, understand that we do have them and you don't have to.

Next, I will tell you why my chapter has line numbers. We pledge in lines according to height. Not every chapter does this, but mine has ever since nearly the beginning. And so you'll know, this was NOT a tradition borrowed from Black Greek Lettered Organizations. My chapter was heavily influenced by a Foreign Service Fraternity and an ROTC Fraternity, both of which pledged in lines also. Not every Brother in the chapter claims a line number, but those who do find an extra bond in the fraternity. True, you have your big brother and possibly members of your family tree, but your NUMBER is special, too. It is just another way to identify with Brothers. Also, it identifies us with members of other organizations. It's just recognition and fun, and it makes sense in our chapter and on our campus. Other chapters may have different reasons. We also don't look down upon chapters that don't pledge in lines.

Then I have seen chapters that use only their member numbers on their t-shirts.. . that's fine, as well. Some chapters wear gold boots when they step, others carry canes and staves. Some chapter don't have family trees. Some chapters have remained all male. To each his or her own in Alpha Phi Omega.

If every chapter was identical in our beloved fraternity, what a dull fraternity we would be.