To become a member of a Greek organization at some schools, students must have specific qualities, including an above average GPA, letters of recommendation, and an exceptional interview. Race isn’t supposed to be factor.
At the University of Alabama, a female African American candidate in the rush process had all the qualifications, including “a 4.3 GPA in high school, salutatorian of her graduating class, and deep roots in the University of Alabama,” according to The Crimson White, the University of Alabama’s school newspaper.
Her roots run not within Greek life at the university, but within the school itself. She is the first person in her family to attempt to pledge.
During rush, candidates are expected to learn the history of the sorority, socialize with the older girls in the chapter, spend time with the sisters, try new hobbies, learn about annual cost, housing and food options and member commitments.
The anonymous potential candidate claimed she was rejected by all sixteen Greek sororities at the university, allegedly due to her race.
A member of Alabama’s student government, Katie Smith, started to develop a piece of legislation in hopes that this would never occur again.
“I submitted this legislation in hopes it would help prevent any further inconsistencies whenever someone is applying to one of the sororities,” Smith said.
The legislation was shot down by a student government vote, 27-5.
“It’s a shame they did this to that young girl because of her skin color. It gives the University of Alabama a very bad reputation,” said L&C Liberal Arts major Connie McGarrah.
With each passing year, U of A falls further behind other universities in terms of integration.
The university has always been a well-respected school, but failing to allow integration or support it has given many people harsh feelings toward the university.
Here at L&C, there aren’t any sororities or fraternities, but there are clubs that support diversity, such as LC Pride and the Black Student Association.
“We, the BSA, have a preference to motivate students of color, but are always open to accepting students not of color,” said Student Activities Coordinator Jared Hennings. “That’s a difference between preference and requirements.”
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