Folks need to stop drinking HATER-ADE ('Bama)

[Jill1228]

Posted in the Crimson White

Officials question charges
By Nick Beadle
Student Life Editor

September 25, 2003


Gamma Phi Beta sorority's international headquarters could release a statement today addressing allegations its UA chapter rigged the acceptance of a black woman last month, integrating the Capstone's traditionally white Panhellenic Association sororities.

Rebecca Beardslee, director of communications for Gamma Phi Beta's international headquarters, said Wednesday morning that the sorority would release a statement on the allegations in the next few days. The Crimson White had not received a statement from the international headquarters at press time.

Former Gamma Phi Beta social chairwoman Stephanie McGee, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, said in Wednesday's CW that sorority leaders had ulterior motives when they accepted black Tuscaloosa freshman Carla Ferguson.

"I think a slot in the Machine was promised," McGee said. "It supposedly would also get us more parties and swaps and that kind of thing."

The Machine is a select coalition of traditionally white fraternities and sororities designed to influence campus politics.

McGee also said the sorority did not follow normal bid procedure, with only the executives, not the whole sorority, voting on whether to accept Ferguson.

Gamma Phi Beta's UA chapter president and adviser deferred comment to the international organization. Efforts to reach McGee for further comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Repeated attempts to reach Panhellenic President Heather Schacht for comment Wednesday were also unsuccessful. UA President Robert Witt was out of town Wednesday and unavailable for comment.

Dean of Students Tom Strong said Gamma Phi Beta's international chapter had contacted his office. He said international representatives told Assistant Dean of Students Todd Borst they planned to release a statement to The CW because of what they called erroneous information in Wednesday's story.

Interim UA Vice President for Student Affairs Kathleen Cramer said she was disappointed McGee's allegations were printed.

She said she believed Gamma Phi Beta sincerely wanted Ferguson and is proud to have her as a member, but she said she did not believe the sorority went to any illegal lengths to get Ferguson.

"I don't think that's possible for most chapters for a select group to select the pledges, so I really must question the credibility of the student's allegations," Cramer said.

Strong said he understood Gamma Phi Beta abided by recruitment regulations of the National Panhellenic Conference and its international organization. He also said an international chapter representative was present during Rush.

Strong said he was assured Gamma Phi Beta accepted Ferguson legally.

"I'm not sure where [McGee] got her information from," he said. "It was my understanding everything was done exactly how it was supposed to be done."

Strong said he believes the sisterhood of Gamma Phi Beta's fall pledge class, which he said had been strong, has been tested by the situation. However, he said he believes the pledge class will rally around each other.