Harvard University is Offending Me as a Collegiate Sorority Women
There’s a better approach to greek life, bans aren’t the answer…
Harvard University has presented a proposal that would ban all fraternity and sorority life, and same-sex clubs that would be enacted starting fall of 2018. This measure is targeting the school’s specific, all-male clubs that have beared the brunt of problems relating to sexual assault and abuse of alcohol use. A faculty committee that was developed back in March to take a look at the university’s rules regarding clubs of one gender and contribute suggestions, declared this recommendation last Wednesday, January 24th. However, Harvard University President Drew Faust will be the one to make the final decision on any kind of changes.
The faculty committee said that with this proposal, they desire to create an environment where clubs will not have such a pernicious influence on the life of undergraduate students. “In order to move beyond the gendered and exclusive club system that has persisted — and even expanded — over time, a new paradigm is needed,” the committee wrote, “one that is rooted in an appreciation of diversity, commitment to inclusivity and positive contributions to the social experience for all students.” They have admitted that this proposal is in part a reaction to stories like Tim Piazza from Pennsylvania State University who died in February due to injuries he sustained during a pledge event of Beta Theta Pi’s. “The committee’s deliberations were carried out under the shadow of tragic events relating to hazing and excessive drinking at other campuses across America,” the group wrote.
With this cracking down on social clubs of single-gender members, there have been women all across the United States who have been displaying on social media networks for sorority life at Harvard University. You may have heard of the hashtags #WithoutMySorority and #HearHerHarvard which are being used by sorority members in order to share how important being in a social group that is focused on females has made an impact on them, and what has been deemed their “most influential sorority moments”, like “#WithoutMySorority Kappa Alpha Theta, I would not be the strong woman that i am today,” one woman tweeted. “We must stand up for our constitutional right to assembly @Harvard #HearHerHarvard.” and “I stand with the sorority women of Harvard because #WithoutMySorority, I would not have a place to call home on campus,” another said. “My sisters fill my heart & many others’ hearts with joy through love, support, & our philanthropy. THese are lifelong bonds, not just for 4 years #HearHerHarvard.”
Even though the threat of the proposal stands, three of the sororities at Harvard University — Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi, and Delta Gamma — plan to go through with their recruitment process next semester for all female freshman students.
I have been a member of Kappa Delta Omega Xi Sorority at the University of Cincinnati for four years, my whole college career. I stand with the women of Harvard 100%. I truly believe that Greek Life is such an important organization that should be offered at every college, because as a member of Greek Life, I have opened myself to so many opportunities for friendship, philanthropy, social success, leadership that have truly changed my life, and I do not think I would have transformed into the woman I am today, with the values I currently believe in and express, without my sorority.
The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Massachusetts Gamma Chapter at Harvard University, posted a statement on their Facebook page on Wednesday in response to the proposal saying that the faculty committee ‘‘has chosen to dismiss the concerns’’ of many Harvard students who have benefited from membership in social organizations.
‘‘Our chapter, like many other Greek organizations, is proud to foster an environment where people of different backgrounds, opinions, and identities may come together in authentic ways,’’ the statement said. ‘‘Our open rush process and need-blind financial aid programs are cornerstones of who we are, and we take great pride in recruiting and accepting members of all races, creeds, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds.’’
