SAI not greek?

[AlwaysSAI]

I don't think being greek has anything to do with chapters having houses or participating in social events with other orgs (although it is great fun).

Being greek has to do with the traditions and rituals laid down as the foundation by the founders. Sisterhood is not about the word, but the intention behind the ritual that creates those bonds. Sorority sisters share secrets that are only privelege to it's members.

Sigma Alpha Iota began as music sorority because the founders didn't want just any club, they wanted a sisterly bond to exist among it's members.

Mystic Cat is correct when he states Phi Mu Alpha's exemption from title IX (although for a very short time, the did admit women). The exemption is made for social fraternities and sororities. SAI requested exemption from IX and recieved it because the requirements for membership were broadened to one music class. Our founders did not intend for men to share in this sisterhood with us (hehehe ). It is a broad misconception, even among sisters, that we are a professional organization. We are not. We exist to foster relationships and social connections among women interested in music.

No, WildCat, we are not affiliated with NPC, but that does not take away from the careful planning, love, and dedication put forth by our founders to supply us with this beautiful sisterhood. When someone tells me that SAI is not greek, I imagine myself in the middle of an initiation ceremony and recall all the beautiful words said. They do not know our ritual and they do not know our secrets. They are speeking from an uninformed mouth, and that is okay because only the best are SAI.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

Mystic Cat is correct when he states Phi Mu Alpha's exemption from title IX (although for a very short time, the did admit women).

Great post, AlwaysSAI.

Just to be clear, though, it is true that for a short time some women -- 236, to be exact -- were initiated into Phi Mu Alpha between the mid-70s and 1985, when the practice was again prohibited across the board. Most chapters, however, were never able to initiate women. Before it could initiate any women, a chapter had to receive approval from our nationals. Approval was only given if the chapter was in real danger from the host institution as a result of only initiating men. Only 22 chapters were ever given permission to initiate women. A few of these chapters withdrew (or, in one case, was expelled) from the Fraternity and formed locals after 1985.