2008 Woodie Awards
DZ controversy sparks debates
By: Andy Bruner
Issue date: 2/6/07 Section: News
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Former and active members of Delta Zeta sorority are seeking to explain the controversial actions that led to 23 women being asked to leave the chapter in December.
On Friday evening, about 50 people gathered in the Hub for an informal discussion planned by former DZ Rachel Pappas, a junior. Many students outside of the DZ chapter came to the discussion, as did Liz Urso, an educational leadership consultant from DZ nationals.
At times emotions ran high as students and former members challenged DZ active members about their decision to remain in the chapter.
"Quite frankly, I don't think the sisterhood is there anymore," said junior Sarah Carlson, a former DZ.
"In spite of everything that nationals did, call me an optimist, I'm still trying to make the best of the situation," said senior Amelia Lyle, an active DZ. "But when I see some people calling me a hypocrite, I think the sisterhood isn't there."
Urso acknowledged nationals was concerned that DZ would not be able to recruit enough members because of the chapter's image on campus.
"Image, I'm not going to lie to you, is a huge part of it," Urso said.
Several students expressed concern at that statement, arguing DZ nationals' actions were inconsiderate of the feelings of the women asked to leave the chapter.
"The nationals came in and said, 'You're not like us, so get out,'" said sophomore Sarah Grant, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Urso defended the actions of DZ nationals.
"Do I think it was unethical? No," she said. "As a member of Delta Zeta, we have a right to do this."
The meeting wound down after Urso had to leave, but individual conversations continued.
Discussion with faculty
A handful of faculty and administrators met with former and active members of DZ Monday night to discuss what role the faculty could play in helping bring closure to the situation.
While the former members spoke with the faculty extensively, DZ's active members refused to comment for most of the meeting.
On Friday evening, about 50 people gathered in the Hub for an informal discussion planned by former DZ Rachel Pappas, a junior. Many students outside of the DZ chapter came to the discussion, as did Liz Urso, an educational leadership consultant from DZ nationals.
At times emotions ran high as students and former members challenged DZ active members about their decision to remain in the chapter.
"Quite frankly, I don't think the sisterhood is there anymore," said junior Sarah Carlson, a former DZ.
"In spite of everything that nationals did, call me an optimist, I'm still trying to make the best of the situation," said senior Amelia Lyle, an active DZ. "But when I see some people calling me a hypocrite, I think the sisterhood isn't there."
Urso acknowledged nationals was concerned that DZ would not be able to recruit enough members because of the chapter's image on campus.
"Image, I'm not going to lie to you, is a huge part of it," Urso said.
Several students expressed concern at that statement, arguing DZ nationals' actions were inconsiderate of the feelings of the women asked to leave the chapter.
"The nationals came in and said, 'You're not like us, so get out,'" said sophomore Sarah Grant, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Urso defended the actions of DZ nationals.
"Do I think it was unethical? No," she said. "As a member of Delta Zeta, we have a right to do this."
The meeting wound down after Urso had to leave, but individual conversations continued.
Discussion with faculty
A handful of faculty and administrators met with former and active members of DZ Monday night to discuss what role the faculty could play in helping bring closure to the situation.
While the former members spoke with the faculty extensively, DZ's active members refused to comment for most of the meeting.
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