FIRM hosts forum on Greek life at SU

On Thursday, Oct. 5, the Fine Intelligent Real Men hosted the “Greek Life” forum in the Lawless Auditorium of William W. Stewart Hall to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being Greek at Southern University.
“There is more to Greek life than partying,” said Jasmine Lynch, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. “The purpose of all black Greek letter organizations is to uplift the black community.”
Lynch, along with seven representatives from the university’s Greek letter organizations, and two non-Greek representatives, made up the panel at the forum.
The panel addressed many questions about the FIRM’s mission, how Greeks can give back to their community and Greek unity at Southern.
“I do not believe that Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated is serving their purpose,” said Ted James, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. “In fact, I think that our founders would be embarrassed.”
“So many chapters are suspended and many people join for the wrong reasons,” James said.
Some Greek organizational leaders said they feel they are staying true to the original principles of their organizations.
“We are doing what we are supposed to do,” said Clifford Nichols, member of Southern’s newly reestablished Iota Phi Theta fraternity chapter. “We must be doing something right for our organizations to have lasted this long.”
The Greek organizations acknowledged that one reason for some of their members loosing sight of their purpose is because they have too many “shirt-wearers,” according to Rodney Arjay, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
“One reason for so many [shirt-wearers] is because there is no more legalized pledging,” said James. “People just skate into organizations.”
On a more positive note, the Greeks also acknowledged the advantages of being in an organization on campus.
“It’s more than just strutting,” said Tristan Myles, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. “Your sisters or brothers become your support system.”
However, one panel guest had a different opinion.
“I don’t think that there are any advantages for being Greek,” said Jacques Gilbert, one of the non-Greek panel members.
Myles offered support by saying that becoming Greek does subject one to instant scrutiny from his or her peers.
“Once you pledge, people begin to think that you are stuck up,” said Lynch.
A stereotype James said sprouts its roots from individuals who gain justification because of their Greek letters.
Before adjourning, the panel encouraged anyone that is interested in joining a black Greek letter organization to do the research before committing to the lifestyle and scrutiny that can transpire from being Greek on campus.