Are you in college? Do you plan to go to college in the near future? Would you join a sorority if you were invited? What if that sorority did not allow black women to join? Would you still join or would you take a stand and protest?
Earlier this month, The Crimson White reported that black women had been denied the opportunity to join a Greek sorority because of their race. The article described the sorority as being “divided along racial lines.” The two black females’ names were not released because of privacy issues. Meanwhile, the sorority has sparked anger and outrage at the University of Alabama.
On September 18th, students gathered to protest the all-white sororities. Hundreds gathered at the school’s library hoping to incite a change. They also hoped to end racism in the school’s Greek life.
Diaesha Summerhill asserted that she would never join a sorority, especially one that discriminated against anyone. “I’d rather enjoy my first few years in college, and, besides, I love all people.” The senior also said, “People who discriminate are horrible people, and they should be ashamed of themselves.”
Jade Chambers, another senior at Bob Jones, stated,” I don’t like discrimination because I think its antiquated and uncool.”
UA President Judy Bonner ordered that the all-white sororities would have to begin a process to allow more diversity in their communities. She also promised to increase the number of people that could join the sorority. By doing this, more people can have the chance to get bids, which are invitations that students get from certain sororities.
Since then, The Crimson White reported that 72 bids were issued last week. Eleven of those were for African American women. The Crimson White also announced that the school and sororities were making progress and that so far six minority women had accepted bids.
