The Orbis

In order to catch a glimpse of the varying viewpoints of diversity in Vanderbilt's Greek life, I interviewed a male member of both the Interfraternity Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, as well as two female members of the Panhellenic Council and the NPHC. Their perspectives only give a small sample of the growing minority population at Vandy, but their thoughts cover a wide range of values and feelings across our campus.

An interesting trend among the responses was that all four Greek members had similar overall reasons for joining. Their motives were never about social pressures or family ties, they were simply finding a good fit and discovering mutual respect for their brothers and sisters.

For instance, Walter Wakwe, the President of Alpha Phi Alpha, says he was lucky enough to meet a group of members who invited him to an information session. He admired the way they carried themselves: "their pride, versatility", and the strong sense of brotherhood. He joined because he liked their character and he wanted to use his own strengths to add to the organization as well.

Likewise, Mia Howard, the President of Zeta Phi Beta, became interested in the sorority because of the strong sisterhood and the positive role models of "black women and black success". In addition, seeing active members all over campus was a great way to adjust to the "culture shock" of coming to Vanderbilt her freshman year.

As members of "historically white Greek organizations", Bryan Acklin and Maia Woodhouse had different views of why they joined their groups and why they think other minorities should follow the same route.

For example, Acklin, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, ended up joining this fall because he spent a lot of time at the house hanging out with friends from his freshman hall that were brothers. "I didn't even realize I was rushing until I received a bid!" He says that his involvement in the organization is a great way for him to focus his energy and meet new people. Through his experience, he hopes to "grow up a little... or a lot." He encourages anyone, whether they are a minority or not, to keep an open mind when they look into the Greek system. A historically black fraternity was not a good fit for him, but he found a house that he could grow with and make personal contributions to.

Woodhouse, a member of Kappa Delta, explained why she joined her sorority: "I found a house that I felt comfortable in, being myself and being different." With her Filipino heritage and colorful personality, Woodhouse says she is not the type of person people expect to be in a sorority, but she has never felt pressure to conform to the off based stereotypes of her organization. She had preconceived notions of what sorority girls are like, but through the rush process she discovered that her stereotypes were unfounded. She encourages everyone to try rush since it is not a binding process.

Both Woodhouse and Acklin say they are not treated differently within their houses because of their race. For instance, Acklin says he gets made fun of for being "the black guy", but everyone in the house makes fun of everyone so it is not a racially motivated attack. His house is entering a new era of brothers; previously there were racist members, but when he has to meet these men at alumni events, his current brothers support him and he is able to cope with their prejudices.

Everyone interviewed agreed that the university administration does treat the NPHC differently than the IFC and Panhell. However, the immense size difference between the groups was cited as a major reason for any differential treatment. Wakwe says that "the administration adheres to the needs and wants of both organizations". On the other hand, Howard feels that the university caters to the IFC/Panhell, and while major strides have been made in her time at Vanderbilt, more concessions need to be made. Acklin says the difference is apparent by simply looking at the parking and party situation for the NPHC, but he agrees that the varying size and nature of the organizations requires differential treatment.

The four individuals interviewed provided an exciting glimpse into the heart of Greek minorities. While they chose different paths, everyone supported the mixing of races in their houses, and said that people should go where they feel comfortable, regardless of their color.

Although it is slowly growing, the minority population at Vanderbilt is largely underrepresented, and these leaders encourage others to find their niche so they can grow within the Vanderbilt community.

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