Phi Sigma Sigma discontinues legacy policy.

[DGTess]

I see elitism in the idea that diversity stems from not being able to afford a sorority That implies women of color, first-generation college students, and immigrants who don't know sororities are all economically disadvantaged.

Consider the small-town (probably northern) freshman. It's entirely possible she doesn't consider greek life at all. Or all she sees is the movie stereotypes where all the fashion plates laugh at the real women How do we get these women interested in joining?

How do we get the first-generation American interested in joining?

How do we get women of color interested? I know in my school in the dark ages, black women who rushed/pledged were treated horribly by the black groups, some of whom were D9 but most of whom were not; I don't know if that dynamic still plays.

I believe the legacy policies, the rec requirements, and our utter failure to reach out to those who are not like us - before they come to school - are serious failings. Sure, MS, AL, TX alumnae groups reach out - to those who already know about sororities - by "we'll hold a seminar and if you're interested you'll come", not by approaching those who don't. What happens in other areas? How do we reach out to others? And if we don't, how can we say we're really interested in them?

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by DGTess

I see elitism in the idea that diversity stems from not being able to afford a sorority That implies women of color, first-generation college students, and immigrants who don't know sororities are all economically disadvantaged.

I don't think anyone is saying that diversity stems from the lack of affordability, or that they are ALL economically disadvantaged; it is a piece of the puzzle, and one of many considerations we need to include as we figure out how to be more diverse.

[carnation]

Several high schools where I've taught have had Panhellenic meetings in which sororities were explained to college-bound seniors and all kinds of great advice was given to them. We talked to women of every race but the black students almost all wanted NPHC. It was understandable but it's frustrating when people are going on about how we MUST be diverse and you know you've tried for years to attract a more diverse crowd of PNMs.