Why did you join your fraternity or sorority?

[SWTXBelle]

Disney has actually sued day care centers which used their characters without permission, even though they were rather small operations. I can't imagine Disney licensing one of their characters for a local group - licensing fees are very high, and they have a very clear idea of what and how they use their characters. I'm pretty sure they don't need a local sorority to promote their characters. ROFL. Without any assurances of how it would be used, I would be shocked if it were indeed the case that WD has given the group carte blanche. Sorry, short of posting the agreement (and then I'd have to make a few calls) I don't buy it.
One reason cited by the artist for discontinuing Calvin & Hobbes is because of all the unauthorized use of Calvin (all those little peeing Calvins? Illegal - and I'd be shocked to find out the sorority using it has authorization.)
I'd think less of a group which used a trademarked, copyrighted character without the proper authorization. That's ILLEGAL - how can you claim to have high ideals and principles if you are willing to break the law?
There is a difference between using a mermaid, even one based on Hans Christian Anderson's story The Little Mermaid (which is in the public domain) and using Ariel, the character created by and vigorously protected by) Disney. There are lawyers who make a good living "helping" those who don't understand this.