MOST MINORITY groups around Grounds - especially black and minority Greek organizations - get a bum rap for self-segregation. Never having seen institutionalized racism or discrimination, it's difficult for students our age to see why black and minority fraternities and sororities even exist anymore. But looking at the reasons behind the existence of such organizations, it's clear that the University needs these groups - and that they cause much less self-segregation than many think.
The Black Fraternal Council, which oversees the nine historically black fraternities and sororities at the University, celebrated its 10 year anniversary Tuesday night. That's right: From 1973-1992, black fraternities and sororities were part of the Inter-Fraternity Council and Inter-Sorority Council - it was only 10 years ago that the predominantly white and black fraternities and sororities separated. From an uninformed standpoint, it appears as if the Greek system is becoming more and more segregated, especially with the creation of the Mutli-Cultural Greek Council in the fall of 1999 to oversee the seven Asian, Latino and local fraternities and sororities.
But there are several major differences between the predominantly white and minority fraternity and sorority organizations, beyond the racial facets. While the MGC/BFC and IFC/ISC organizations share common social and service-related aspects, minority fraternal organizations have a greater focus on service, while the IFC and ISC groups are more socially oriented. The sizes between the different types of groups are significant as well; the largest ISC sorority has 122 members, while the largest BFC sorority has 7 members. Additionally, no minority Greek organizations have houses right now, as opposed to the IFC and ISC groups, all of which own or rent houses.
It is because of the fundamental differences between these groups that they cannot operate under one umbrella fraternal organization. While the BFC organizations did have a unique voice in the IFC and ISC prior to 1992 through the Black Greek Association, they had no reason to care about rush, drug and alcohol violations, pledging and recruitment - issues that were and still are very important to IFC members. And in 1991, the federal drug bust known as Operation Equinox and the resulting scandal damaged the IFC's image on a national level. Due to this, the black fraternities (as well as many white fraternities) felt that they were being damaged by being part of the IFC. For the current BFC organizations, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
The historically black and minority fraternities and sororities are better suited in the BFC and MGC. They have a distinct voice in the University community - a voice that was not heard as loudly when they were part of the IFC and ISC. Similarly, the black fraternities and sororities can maintain a focus on their unique concerns - ones that the IFC and ISC may not share, simply because of the nature of their organizations.
It is true that some of the fundamental differences between minority and IFC/ISC Greek organizations can be traced to racial differences. For instance, the fact that no minority organization currently has a house can be attributed to the fact that, because the University was predominantly white, IFC organizations as a whole have much greater financial support through alumni. And although most sororities haven't been here for as long - the University just started accepting women in 1970, and few sororities existed before then - traditionally white sororities as a whole still have better alumni representation and funding.
There still are problems with a separation between the BFC, MGC and IFC/ISC systems. Self-segregation is a huge issue among Greek organizations, but it is one that is being addressed. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and Sigma Pi Fraternity all participated in "Comfort Zone" last November, a service and social activity promoting interaction between the fraternal councils. The BFC has an "Inter-Greek relations" officer, who works with the IFC, ISC and MGC. Events such as Greek Awards incorporate all four councils. And the new proposal to allow loans to Greek organizations for housing opens up the possibility for BFC and MGC members to buy or rent houses.
Self-segregation is a major issue in Greek life here. But the presence of minority fraternal organizations at the University is justified, and it's ridiculous to blame these groups for the problem of self-segregation.
(Brian Cook is a Cavalier Daily opinion editor. He can be reached at bcook@cavalierdaily.com.)
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