Changing the DU Community Through Greek Life, by Katherine Zimmer

A friend of mine named Kailee, described to me a weekend that she went up to the mountains with a group of girls. Most of the girls were in a sorority and only two of the girls, including Kailee, were non-Greek members. Kailee told me how she could draw the line of who was in a sorority and who was not, effortlessly. She and the other non-Greek member felt segregated the entire weekend. Kailee expressed her feelings that it was not fair for her to be excluded just because she was not a part of a sorority. This weekend caused Kailee to lose hope in having Greek-life members as friends because of the hurt that the sorority girls inflicted upon her. This is only one of many stories concerning the isolation between Greek and non-Greek members. It has been brought to my attention that there is an immense gap between Greek members and non-Greek members at the University of Denver. This is a social problem that needs to be mediated as soon as possible. 

As an active member in the community at the University of Denver, I fully support Greek Life. I believe that there are many advantages to being a part of such a strongly knit community. I was curious as to what non-Greek members think about Greek life. After interviewing many non-Greek students at DU, there were many negative perceptions. It is crucial for Greek members to fully comprehend all negative stereotypes. It is imperative for Greek members to be aware of these stereotypes in order to make a change for the better to unite the DU community. Greek members need to take action to make a change concerning these stereotypes in order for the gap between Greek members and non-Greek members at the university to be closed. The cessation of this type of segregation will lead to reconciliation, peace, and an ability for all DU students to be able to enrich and enjoy one another.

            Several non-Greek members expressed that they see Greek members as rich and materialistic. One DU student, Michael Hubbard, who is not affiliated with Greek life said, “Greek life is a bunch of wealthy people coming together.” Non-Greek members feel that the entire Greek system is completely money oriented and becomes exclusive to only those who can afford it. I feel that this is a crucial reason for segregation between the two groups. Greek members need to avoid flaunting their money and excluding less fortunate members of the DU community. They also need to make it known to non-Greek members that there are many opportunities to attain scholarships or employment options to cover Greek expenses. For example, through my sorority there are many academic scholarships that one can attain. There is also a large network of mothers through Gamma-Phi Beta that need nannies and babysitters. These scholarship and work opportunities would not only allow non-Greek members to join a sorority and fraternity if they wanted, but it would also build a sense of unity between the wealthier students at DU and the ones who are not as fortunate.

Non-Greek members also expressed how exclusive members of fraternities and sororities are. They said that Greek members are associated with exclusive cliques and are always together. I believe that it is imperative to reduce this exclusivity between the two groups at DU for a better sense of unity. One specific way to solve could be for students to join new campus organizations that are not Greek affiliated in order to meet new people. Both Greek and non-Greek members need to reach out and build bonds with other people than the groups that they are already associated with. After all, aren’t Greek members known for making life long bonds?

One last negative aspect expressed was that all of Greek life brags about being involved with philanthropy but never actually witness Greek members participating in service. This is a common misconception because many of the Greek philanthropy events do not involve non-Greek members. It would be beneficial if both Greek and non-Greek groups included each other in philanthropy events. For example, Gamma Phi Beta just recently held a spaghetti dinner for Make-A-Wish foundation. This philanthropy event was open to all of campus, and not just Greek members. More campus wide philanthropy events such as this would bring the groups together to unite for a common cause. Service is a priority for both groups of students and this commonality is an asset that that could join the groups. By working with each other, Greek and non-Greek members will be able to enrich one another.

                        In order for Greek life to improve, all Greek members must be aware of the stereotypes that non-Green members hold. Greek members must understand the negative aspects and take action to change them in order for there to be a unified campus. Additionally, Greek life can gain a better reputation by working to improve their weaknesses and image. Both groups have more commonalities than differences. We are all students looking for acceptance and there is no reason for the two groups to isolate themselves.