Segregation already exists, groups should be more recognized

I read your staff editorial (Campus Must Welcome All, Feb. 28, 2002) with a good deal of interest. It concluded that the new gay and Latino fraternities segregate IU; it implies that they are unnecessary and their existence points to a problem.\nFirst it is important to understand that the new fraternities do not segregate IU -- IU is already segregated. While there is no longer segregation by law, segregation based on preferences exists at IU and in American culture.\nSecond, to imply that a Latino or gay fraternity is not necessary because of La Casa and GLBT Student Services is tantamount to arguing that Euro-American fraternities and sororities are unnecessary because of the student union, Union Board and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).\nThird, your view fails to consider the importance of organizations which honor, recognize and normalize historically marginalized groups. The apparent essence of your argument is that the IU community embraces diversity; it seeks to create an environment where all races, ethnic groups and sexual preferences are tolerated if not honored. There is a melting pot, and one's major identity should be around the notion of the melting pot.\nThe unspoken premise is that the culture of this melting pot is decidedly heterosexual and Eurocentric. Thus, while people of color and sexual minorities are a part of the soup, the soup has a decidedly heterosexual and Eurocentric flavor. While being tolerated is progress when compared to being state-sanctioned pariah, it does not approach the acceptance that the historically marginalized have within their own organizations.\nYour editorial seems to imply that there must be a problem with either the diversity efforts of IU or with Latinos and gays given their desire for their own fraternity. My suggestion is that neither is the case. Despite IU's noble effort to provide a comfortable campus climate for all, it is understandable that historically marginalized groups will continue to want their own identity-based groups until their identities have no meaning in the society.