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.

[Jill1228]

Gotta say a lot of people are handling things with class. But some folx need to get a grip!

Also in the Crimson White

Former members cannot speak for whole sorority
September 25, 2003


Any misinformation that may have been conveyed in a story in Wednesday's edition of The Crimson White is regrettable. After checking with the leadership of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, we would like to offer some additional information and background.

Any former members of Gamma Phi Beta who want to express their opinion are entitled to do so, but they do not speak for the sorority. They are simply giving their personal view, and information they share may not be accurate with regard to the sorority as a whole. What is important is that the sorority chose Carla Ferguson because of her character and other personal qualities. The sorority has embraced each member of the pledge class, and they are having a wonderful experience. To convey otherwise is a disservice to this outstanding group.

Gamma Phi Beta is one of the country's 10 oldest sororities and a founding member of the National Panhellenic Conference. It is committed to seeking cultural, demographic and economic diversity.

[Moxie]

that POOR girl. she just wanted to join a sisterhood, not become a public icon and now the subject of controversy. is it THAT big of a deal to have an african-american in a NPC sorority?! and why, if these allegations are true, would someone really feel the need to make them public? it sounds like someone is just bitter.

[breathesgelatin]

Some people are guzzling the hater-ade !!!!!
















so, so, so, so glad my school doesn't have these issues.
oh, and I'm sure Gamma Phi is really glad the member quoted has left. Their chapter and their national organization is so much better than that.

[KillarneyRose]

I feel terrible for Miss Ferguson. The new member period is supposed to be a fun time for her and now she has to hear how she is supposedly only a "token" member of the sorority.

There's always someone around who wants to turn a good situation into something bad

[Firehouse]

Was/is McGee an undergraduate member? What in the world would possess her to betray her sorority and embarrass them and herself with such a public display? There was an widely publicized incident at Georgia a few years ago where an individual made a very public accusation, and it turned out she just wanted out of her housing contract. She was willing to pull the whole house down to get what she wanted.
Unbelievable! The chapter should shut her out entirely; ban her from all activities and associations from now on. Don't know why this makes me so angry but it really strikes a nerve.

[ZTAngel]

I have to think that McGee had some rifts with other members in GPhiB and decided that this was a way to seek revenge. I just couldn't see a chapter going to lengths like this to get someone. Things can easily slip out and I don't think a chapter would risk that.

I really really really hope the information McGee provided are false.

[texas*princess]

I feel so terrible for Miss Ferguson I sincerely hope the allegations are false.

[Kevin]

Even if it was true, what gives any member the right to go to the press because they don't agree with a member's decision? Go to HQ, go to an advisor, but the press?

I don't think this accuser has a leg to stand on and she knows it. It's sad that this much drama occured just because they accepted a woman of color.

[33girl]

I still think it is ghastly that the young woman's name was even released to the public when she got her bid. If Panhellenic really wanted to support her, they would have respected her privacy.

[White_Chocolate]

did anyone look at the chapter's website to see if the black woman was still a member? after that kind of publicity, most people would break and run.

she probably was voted in the right way
some people probably just wanted to be ugly

[33girl]

Good suggestion. I checked their site and the only members' names they list are the officers. They don't have a listing of their pledge class.

[texas*princess]

Originally posted by 33girl
I still think it is ghastly that the young woman's name was even released to the public when she got her bid. If Panhellenic really wanted to support her, they would have respected her privacy.

I definately agree!

[PsychTau]

Good lord, no WONDER African Americans don't want to "integrate" the NPC sororities!!!! At campuses like this, it isn't worth it.

Who cares WHAT voting procedures Gamma Phi Beta used.....certainly not me, because 1. I'm not a Gamma Phi; and 2. It doesn't affect me HOW they select their new members; and 3. It's THEIR BUSINESS!!!!

(And I still don't understand how the whole thing could be "rigged"....did they coordinate who was going to invite her back to parties? How did they predict her choices anyway? Crazy, paranoid, bored people. )

[Jill1228]

Apparently the girl who made these accusations is an undergrad but an ex-member. Makes me wonder why she is an ex-member.


I think they wanted to respect her privacy but honey, folx were all over this story and you KNOW when someone wants info they are gonna get it anyway they can.

I hope she joins GC so I can tell her to BE STRONG DON'T LET THE A$$HOLES GET YOU DOWN!