Experiences of minority students in greek life

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by L.O.C.K.
Sorry about that mis-statement. I was told that information by someone who is heavily involved with AEPi. Sorry again.

Which is another reason why OFFICIAL sources of information are important. This often means nationally sponsored sources of information beyond individual members' accounts.

[Kevin]

For some blacks on our campus, there's enormous pressure to join HBGLO's vs. groups such as mine. I say some because it seems it depends on what social groups they move in. Those that live in one particular dorm seem to feel that pressure more than others because many BHGLO members also reside there.

One of the guys I went to school with would have probably joined Sigma Nu, however, he told me he couldn't. He had mentioned it to his friends, and they told him that if he didn't go with an HBGLO, they wouldn't be friends anymore -- in other words, he would potentially be ostracized -- something he wasn't yet ready to do.

On the other hand, we have minority members in our chapter who had no such pressures.

[PhoenixAzul]

My organization doesn't really have any "minority" (arg i hate that term) members. I don't think it is so much my organization as the campus environment itself...that's not to say that my sisters and I shouldn't push harder for diversity and be more open to it, but I'm saying that the campus itself needs to open itself up to minority students in organizations. Several of the AASU members I've met say that they'd love for white students to come to their meetings, but no one does because they think it is "members only". Groups on campus, especially this year, have been accepting increasingly more diverse memberships, which is exciting. At the same time, the numbers of visible NPHC members is increasing as well (just yesterday I saw 2 AKA's, a DST and an Omega Psi Phi.). I really wish I had a solution to encourage more minority students to rush both the locals here and the NPHC chapters we have, and a way to increase relations between the two systems.

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by ktsnake


One of the guys I went to school with would have probably joined Sigma Nu, however, he told me he couldn't. He had mentioned it to his friends, and they told him that if he didn't go with an HBGLO, they wouldn't be friends anymore -- in other words, he would potentially be ostracized -- something he wasn't yet ready to do.

Some friends...

[sigtau305]

Originally posted by LaMargaritaLoca
If you are a minority:
-Did you join a predominantly white organization or one aimed toward minorities, and why?
-Before you joined, did you assume that you'd feel more comfortable in an organization that was not predominantly white?

Is it safe to say that students of any race can typically feel comfortable rushing any kind of Greek organization at your school?

1.) to answer the first question:

When I Transfer to Cleveland State University, I'd make sure I check out all the Fraternities( Both NIC & NPHC) that was campus and get all the information I needed before I made my choice.

2.) The Greek System is still a work in progress but it's much better now. The Department of Greek Life continues to promote the many oppurtunities greek organizations has to offer to the Students.

[babe'sbabe]

Originally posted by PhoenixAzul
My organization doesn't really have any "minority" (arg i hate that term) members. I don't think it is so much my organization as the campus environment itself...that's not to say that my sisters and I shouldn't push harder for diversity and be more open to it, but I'm saying that the campus itself needs to open itself up to minority students in organizations.

What's wrong with the word minority? Is is the use of the word that you dislike or is is the concepts of minority vs. majority that bothers you?

[LaMargaritaLoca]

I just wanted to thank everyone who answered my questions or offered their opinions on the topic. My presentation workshop was last night and my class was interested in learning more about greek life since none of us were in GLOs when we were undergrads. My professor also liked learning about GreekChat since she's a Delta Sigma Theta and now she can connect with some sisters if she wants to. Thanks again!

[sigtau305]

Originally posted by LaMargaritaLoca
I just wanted to thank everyone who answered my questions or offered their opinions on the topic. My presentation workshop was last night and my class was interested in learning more about greek life since none of us were in GLOs when we were undergrads. My professor also liked learning about GreekChat since she's a Delta Sigma Theta and now she can connect with some sisters if she wants to. Thanks again!

[PhoenixAzul]

Originally posted by babe'sbabe
What's wrong with the word minority? Is is the use of the word that you dislike or is is the concepts of minority vs. majority that bothers you?

I guess a little of both. I think that sometimes people use the word minority to refer to a position of inferiority, and I don't think that the two are related.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by PhoenixAzul
I guess a little of both. I think that sometimes people use the word minority to refer to a position of inferiority, and I don't think that the two are related.

It refers to relative size of the population and most importantly relative power. If inferiority mean "less power than the majority," ignoring that there is a minority and a majority is painting an unrealistic, Utopian picture of this society.

[Dionysus]

Originally posted by babe'sbabe
What's wrong with the word minority? Is is the use of the word that you dislike or is is the concepts of minority vs. majority that bothers you?

UGH I don't like being referred as anything that has the word "minor" in it. That also includes "minor" as in underage.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by Dionysus
UGH I don't like being referred as anything that has the word "minor" in it. That also includes "minor" as in underage.

What would you suggest?