In response to “Society’s sorority,” Feb. 27:
Brittany Hite is entitled to her opinion about sororities. But it is disappointing a journalist would not at least present the truth about the situation with Delta Zeta. I suppose the truth is just not sensational enough for Hite.
For those of you interested in objectivity, consider the “rest of the story”:
In August 2006 Delta Zeta DePauw members voted to close the chapter and not to participate in recruitment. Delta Zeta national representatives immediately came to campus and met with members of the chapter and the University administration.
The University indicated that Delta Zeta, which has been on the DePauw campus for 98 years, would not be guaranteed a return. University officials asked Delta Zeta to undertake a membership review.
Delta Zeta members, who could support the national plan to actively recruit, were asked to remain active. Other members, who no longer wanted to engage in day-to-day recruiting, became alumnae members of the sorority.
The sole basis of the decision and the membership review was the women’s commitment to actively recruit.
In an effort to honor the request of those chapter members who did not wish to participate in recruitment, Delta Zeta asked members of other chapters to attend recruitment events. No one was “hidden away upstairs.”
The national organization asked our chapter at IU to assist with the recruitment process for two reasons. First, the DePauw chapter was significantly smaller than the 100 membership of other sororities and second we were a short geographic distance from DePauw’s campus. Every member of our chapter was invited, not just “skinny blonds” (as has been reported) and we were honest with the women we met at DePauw about our personal experiences as Delta Zetas.
Every DePauw Delta Zeta is attractive both inside and out. It is offensive that Hite should deem that those members who were granted alumnae status were not “beautiful.” Delta Zeta has never made such representation and I am offended the IDS would insult them in this way.
