I am a Delta Zeta and my time as an active member is a big part of what defined my college years. That said, I was never one to quietly sit back and let the sorority machine run its course. In college, I was also a student government and political science geek; that means I studied Robert’s Rules of Order and memorized my sorority’s constitution. I was probably one of the least favorite members in the eyes our adviser. I fought her on the validity of several “rules” and questioned her authority to set such “rules.” I was quite the vigilante.
So, I was not surprised to hear that recently the Delta Zeta national officers have gotten themselves into a nice little PR pickle. The background:
On February 25, 2007, The New York Times printed a story titled, “Evictions at Sorority Raise Issue of Bias.” It opens with…
“When a psychology professor at DePauw University here surveyed students. they described one sorority as a group of “daddy’s little princesses” and another as “offbeat hippies.” The sister of Delta Zeta were seen as “socially awkward. … Delta Zeta’s national officers interviewed 35 DePauw members in November, quizzing them about their dedication to recruitment. They judged 23 of the women insufficiently committed and later told them to vacate the sorority house. The 23 members included every woman who was overweight. They also included the only black, Korean and Vietnamese members. The dozen students allowed to stay were slender and popular with fraternity men — conventionally pretty women the sorority hoped could attract new recruits. Six of the 12 were so infuriated they quit.”
The article continues on quoting infuriated members and using words like disrespect, insensitivity and discrimination. It was followed by a letter to the editor on February 27 by several DePauw students. One of them, Megan Bowker, wrote, “DePauw’s campus had always been ablee to pride itself on having a house where any type of girl could belong. When Delta Zeta’s national officers decided to change the image of the DePauw chapter, they changed our campus dynamic.“
This story, of course, got a lot of attention in college newspapers across the country. Everybody loves a good sorority scandal and, at least at my school, the DZs are not known for their compassion. All the while, most stories claimed that the national president of Delta Zeta or any other national officer declined to comment.
On February 28, 2007, Delta Zeta issued a press release/statement. The headline read, “Statement From the Members of The Delta Zeta Chapter of DePauw University.” My favorite part is the first sentence: “As the active members of Delta Zeta at DePauw University, we feel as though we, the National Organization, and the Delta Zeta chapter at DePauw University have been misrepresented.” I’ll get to my thoughts on this momentarily.
Finally, on March 6, 2007, I received an email from the national office. It reads, in part, “Our members are angry and saddened that our Sorority has been so mischaracterized in the media. As Delta Zetas, we know the true story. You are encouraged to speak out for Delta Zeta on your campus, in your school newspaper, and to the local media.”
Delta Zeta has found itself in crisis management mode and they’ve done very poorly so far. I won’t get into how they got themselves into the mess; what I want to focus on is how they are reacting to the news and managing the media coverage.
- They should have never declined to comment to The New York Times! Are they crazy! Weeks after the article was printed, they are complaining that nobody is listening to their side of the story. But, when somebody was willing to listen they didn’t want to talk.
- Who wrote this statement?!?! First of all, don’t try to deceive your readers. Yes, I understand the difference between the active members of Delta Zeta of Depauw University and those that have been forced into alumni status, but don’t try to make it seem this statement is coming from the remaining 6 members of the Depauw chapter. Did they even get a chance to review this statement or comment? This statement reflects the feelings of the national leadership, it should say that. Second - Nobody cares how you feel! You do not release an official statement about how you feel you are being bullied…. never. Finally, don’t try to push the blame on to the “campus climate of DePauw University.” Keep digging your hole ladies, you’re doing a fine job.
- The email to all members of Delta Zeta doesn’t provide any background; maybe I’m too far out of the loop, but I had to google the story. Furthermore, the message puts far too much faith in Delta Zeta members. “As Delta Zetas, we know the true story.” Umm… not if you won’t tell us! If you’re expecting me to infer your noble intentions based on my own memories as an active sorority member, your wrong. I loved being an active member, but I don’t doubt in the slightest that the national organization is capable of something this appalling.
Finally, I’d like to send some sisterly love to all of the members of the Delta Zeta chapter at Depauw University. I don’t know you; I don’t even know if we would be friends if we had the chance, but I feel for you. Remember, you will always be sisters despite what status the national organization gives you. Cherish that and stick together. As a member of Delta Zeta I am deeply sorry you have to endure the consequences of the poor judgment of our leaders. I think it would do a little good right now for all members of Delta Zeta to reflect on our creed:
To the world,
I promise temperance and insight and courage,
To crusade for justice,
To seek the truth and defend it always:
To those whom my life may touch in slight measure,
May I give graciously of what is mine;
To my friends,
Understanding and appreciation;
To those closer ones,
Love that is ever steadfast;
To my mind,
Growth;
To myself,
Faith
That I may walk truly
In the light of the Flame.
