2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor: DePauw community indignant too late
Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Opinion
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Where was the righteous anger last semester when the DePauw community cruelly perpetuated false stereotypes about the Delta Zeta sorority members and spread false rumors of the chapter's closing? Who are the real hypocrites?
Some of the very sorority women who now demand explanations were previously unwilling to accept a dinner invitation to Delta Zeta because they were concerned the association might hurt their own social prestige. Some fraternities refused to hold functions with Delta Zeta and others forbid their members to date Delta Zetas.
For years DePauw students have encouraged freshmen to pledge "anywhere but DZ." Yet they now respond with indignation? The University would not allow Delta Zeta to engage in a traditional recolonization. Instead they limited options to closing the chapter or embarking upon a mid-year reorganization.
They suggested the membership reviews as a means of identifying those women best suited to the challenge of a reorganization effort. Ironically, the University now questions the actions taken by Delta Zeta. Although the University reviewed the letters sent to each member, they expressed no public objections or concerns until it was politically expedient to do so.
Contrary to popular misconception, no members have been "kicked out" of Delta Zeta. Women who are not a part of the reorganization effort were offered the opportunity to continue as alumnae members. We are proud of Delta Zeta for taking a stand. They are unwilling to go the way of five fraternities and sororities over the past 20 years, which quietly closed their chapters because of declining membership and turned their properties over to the University.
We challenge each member of the community who is "outraged" by the situation at Delta Zeta to do more than cast stones. Ask yourselves what role you played in creating an environment that led to the declining membership in the first place. Ask yourself what you can do to support all students, including Delta Zetas, and the multiple fraternities that currently face similar challenges.
Kristi Spears '03
Some of the very sorority women who now demand explanations were previously unwilling to accept a dinner invitation to Delta Zeta because they were concerned the association might hurt their own social prestige. Some fraternities refused to hold functions with Delta Zeta and others forbid their members to date Delta Zetas.
For years DePauw students have encouraged freshmen to pledge "anywhere but DZ." Yet they now respond with indignation? The University would not allow Delta Zeta to engage in a traditional recolonization. Instead they limited options to closing the chapter or embarking upon a mid-year reorganization.
They suggested the membership reviews as a means of identifying those women best suited to the challenge of a reorganization effort. Ironically, the University now questions the actions taken by Delta Zeta. Although the University reviewed the letters sent to each member, they expressed no public objections or concerns until it was politically expedient to do so.
Contrary to popular misconception, no members have been "kicked out" of Delta Zeta. Women who are not a part of the reorganization effort were offered the opportunity to continue as alumnae members. We are proud of Delta Zeta for taking a stand. They are unwilling to go the way of five fraternities and sororities over the past 20 years, which quietly closed their chapters because of declining membership and turned their properties over to the University.
We challenge each member of the community who is "outraged" by the situation at Delta Zeta to do more than cast stones. Ask yourselves what role you played in creating an environment that led to the declining membership in the first place. Ask yourself what you can do to support all students, including Delta Zetas, and the multiple fraternities that currently face similar challenges.
Kristi Spears '03
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
dave hirsh
posted 3/29/07 @ 2:27 PM EST
This opinion is full of hyperbole. The chapter could not sustain itself with 30 odd women (Financially). The National wanted DePauw to PROMISE!!! to allow the chapter to return after closing. (Continued…)
Riley Ray
posted 3/29/07 @ 5:29 PM EST
Well I agree on some points but disagree on others.
Frankly, the DZ nationals have no excuse for their actions. Did DePauw put them in a tough situation? Yes. (Continued…)
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