By Lauren Beret Kelly
Since the publication of Kirra Steel’s article on the
Greek System (“Systematic sisterhood promotes
intolerance,” Daily Bruin, Viewpoint, Oct. 5), I have sat
back and read a recent barrage of responding Viewpoint submissions.
Many people have approached me with disgust and concern for the
initial publishing and as president of the Panhellenic Council, I
would like to make my thoughts known, specifically on the issues of
recruitment (“rush”) and diversity.
You are probably expecting me to spout out some political
jargon. But the truth is that our system is imperfect and I openly
challenge any Bruin to become a member and lead change as opposed
to sitting back and bad-mouthing it.
In terms of recruitment, we use the same system implemented by
our national organizations and advisors and it is utilized by
thousands of chapters internationally. It is important to
understand that our 11 National Panhellenic Council sororities are
accountable to a nationwide network that governs how we recruit.
Women are discussed for membership, but it is done tactfully in the
presence of alumni advisors.
To think that there is the time or desire in the few minutes
between recruitment parties to write extensive descriptions about
nails and weight is absurd. As with any first impression (i.e. a
job interview), a well-groomed appearance is not going to hurt you
during recruitment, but we ask that women merely be themselves.
I will admit that rush parties are much too short of a time to
truly assess someone’s character, but please believe that our
sorority women are merely looking for exceptional personality
traits and talent. Sense of humor, intelligence, athletic ability
or a creative nature are so much more valuable to these women who
are in pursuit of potential friendship ““ and not someone to
flatter their appearance.
It is ridiculous to think that 1,200 UCLA women with an average
GPA higher than that of the campus are shallow enough only to want
friends who get manicures and drive BMWs. Those stereotypes are an
irrelevant focus compared to the talent and accomplishment that is
present among our women.
The next issue is diversity. I’m assuming that when the
Greek system is attacked for not being diverse, the main focus is
on IFC and Panhellenic. For the record, our African American groups
(National Pan-Hellenic), the Asian Greek Council, the religious,
the engineering and even the older groups are recognized under the
term “Greek system.”
As for Panhellenic specifically, my definition of
“diverse” is that of encompassing many different
backgrounds and cultures. While groups on campus that focus (in
their membership) upon race or religion are a very important
cultural asset to our campus, I do not consider the group itself to
be diverse.
Our women are diverse in their spectrum of cultural
representation, but not as proudly or successfully as the campus
itself. This is not a result of racism or discrimination.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer as rich of a cultural experience as
many student groups.
But we can offer unsurpassed leadership opportunities,
networking and personal growth ““ qualities that appeal to
everyone. In an attempt to broaden our horizons, we offered a
speaker on homophobia last year to our members and the entire
campus. I invite all of you to attend our speaker series this year
which will focus on the topic of diversity.
In regards to the Kirra Steel article that started it all,
I’m glad that after three and a half painful years she was
able to escape. I would hate to think that any Greeks would view
their voluntary membership as such a prison sentence. But the fact
is, she has graduated, is living in Chicago, and her college
experience is over now. She had her chance to be a force of
enlightenment as vice president and new member educator for her
chapter. It is unfortunate that she did not feel the urge to be a
true leader of morals and set a precedent for her chapter
face-to-face.
That being said, if we could truly “brainwash” our
members, I wish we could make them into perfect citizens. The truth
is that we are all individuals who make individual decisions. In
the same fashion that several illegal handicap placards tarnished
the reputation of our entire football team in the media, the same
is true if a few of our 3,000 members commit tragic acts.
Hazing, alcohol-poisoning and even embellished articles are
unfortunate decisions by individuals, yet the public feeds on the
sensationalism. We and our national organizations make an attempt
to hold our members accountable for their actions. For every
negative incident, there are so several responsible, unsung heroes
in our system.
In conclusion I ask two things of you, the UCLA public. First I
ask that if you are still under the impression that we stereotype
and discriminate, please do not in turn pass judgment upon us. We
are an organization of unique individuals and to not recognize that
is to lower yourself to the very critical nature of which we have
been accused.
Secondly, I ask for a little tact in opinions of the Greek
system out of respect to your fellow Bruins who enjoy it as well as
those who are seeking to form unbiased opinions of their own.