2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor: Response to "I Get the Message"
Issue date: 3/25/05 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 1
Dear Editor,
As a current, active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the former Panhellenic President, I felt obligated to respond to Professor Stephenson's opinion piece about exclusivity within the Rollins Greek community, specifically illustrated by a recent KKG T-shirt that read "That's hot-I'm in KKG, you're not".
I would like to begin my response by thanking the Professor for coming to me first before submitting the article, asking my opinion and giving me the opportunity to submit my own piece alongside his. His openness and willingness to listen gives me hope that any animosity between Greeks and the faculty or administration is dissipating.
In regards to the recent T-shirt, it is necessary to note that it was created by an individual member of the chapter, without the permission, approval or funds of the chapter's council. Although it read "KKG", the chapter whatsoever did not endorse it. Despite this, however, it would be irresponsible of me to ignore what the t-shirt implies, and how it negatively contributes to Greek stereotypes.
I appreciate and understand Professor Stephenson's concerns-after all, I joined the Panhellenic Council to combat the same issues. Over the past year I have learned, though, that matters relating to negative images and exclusivity surrounding Greeks are much more deep-seeded than one might think. Greeks organizations are exclusive-exclusivity is a founding principle upon which the organizations are built. Each group is able to accept and reject individual membership based on prerequisites and qualifications. This is true of many non-Greek organizations nationwide as well. The issue to be dealt with, then, is not necessarily making everyone all-inclusive, but rather fostering more positive relationships between the various organizations and the greater Rollins population.
At such a small school, where one is always noticed and continually judged, this can be a hard task. Despite that challenge, the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils have worked very hard since last semester to create and establish a separate council aimed at improving the Greek image.
The Greek Initiative Board consists of committees aimed at combating damaging Greek stereotypes and improving shaky relationships with non-Greeks, faculty and administration.
With the help of Rina Tovar in the Health Promotions office, Mark Freeman in Personal Counseling, and Chris Zacharda in the Residential Life office, the Board has been successfully passed on to the new chapter presidents and Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Presidents, Sally Johnston of Chi Omega and Zach Blend of Chi Psi. Measures that the Board has put forth, combined with understanding from everyone within the Rollins community, creates hope in an environment that has long been seen as essentially hopeless. To me, that sounds like a great beginning.
Natalie A. Jackson, '05
As a current, active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the former Panhellenic President, I felt obligated to respond to Professor Stephenson's opinion piece about exclusivity within the Rollins Greek community, specifically illustrated by a recent KKG T-shirt that read "That's hot-I'm in KKG, you're not".
I would like to begin my response by thanking the Professor for coming to me first before submitting the article, asking my opinion and giving me the opportunity to submit my own piece alongside his. His openness and willingness to listen gives me hope that any animosity between Greeks and the faculty or administration is dissipating.
In regards to the recent T-shirt, it is necessary to note that it was created by an individual member of the chapter, without the permission, approval or funds of the chapter's council. Although it read "KKG", the chapter whatsoever did not endorse it. Despite this, however, it would be irresponsible of me to ignore what the t-shirt implies, and how it negatively contributes to Greek stereotypes.
I appreciate and understand Professor Stephenson's concerns-after all, I joined the Panhellenic Council to combat the same issues. Over the past year I have learned, though, that matters relating to negative images and exclusivity surrounding Greeks are much more deep-seeded than one might think. Greeks organizations are exclusive-exclusivity is a founding principle upon which the organizations are built. Each group is able to accept and reject individual membership based on prerequisites and qualifications. This is true of many non-Greek organizations nationwide as well. The issue to be dealt with, then, is not necessarily making everyone all-inclusive, but rather fostering more positive relationships between the various organizations and the greater Rollins population.
At such a small school, where one is always noticed and continually judged, this can be a hard task. Despite that challenge, the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils have worked very hard since last semester to create and establish a separate council aimed at improving the Greek image.
The Greek Initiative Board consists of committees aimed at combating damaging Greek stereotypes and improving shaky relationships with non-Greeks, faculty and administration.
With the help of Rina Tovar in the Health Promotions office, Mark Freeman in Personal Counseling, and Chris Zacharda in the Residential Life office, the Board has been successfully passed on to the new chapter presidents and Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Presidents, Sally Johnston of Chi Omega and Zach Blend of Chi Psi. Measures that the Board has put forth, combined with understanding from everyone within the Rollins community, creates hope in an environment that has long been seen as essentially hopeless. To me, that sounds like a great beginning.
Natalie A. Jackson, '05