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Letters to the Editor: Don't Disband Greeks, Educate

To the editor:

It is absurd to even suggest that Greeks need to disband, especially coming from one our "own" ("Maybe It's Time for Black Greeks to Disband," Dr. Ricky Jones, Nov. 1).

Must I remind this "brother in the Greek fam" of the meaning of fraternity? It is not giving up on your brothers when they fall short, and suggesting that they are more of a liability than an asset. It is entirely within the scope of my reasoning to be very -- and I do emphasize very -- upset over hazing in any form or fashion, and this distress is heightened when the result is the death of a potential member of any club or organization, not just Greeks.

Isolated incidents where these tragedies have occurred (and these events are indeed isolated) are not indicative of the entire metropolis that is Greekdom. When you think of all the chapters at all the colleges across the United States and abroad, please do not forget the vested interests that these chapters have in their respective communities, and vice versa. Whether it is a plan of social action that involves improving the community through self-empowerment, or an educational program that fosters a learning environment with underprivileged kids, fraternities and sororities do have a place, and will continue to have a place in society.

Moreover, there has been a significant decrease in serious accidents and deaths since hazing was banned (PDF) by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Hazing is the result of ignorance and can be cured with education. Some chapters need to be educated (perhaps some re-educated) on the meaning of wood, the elements it contains, and the overall purpose of why and how it is given and received; also, on the difference between pledging, hazing and an intake process.

Although we might not all be at the same level academically, we are all in college with the capacity to gain and retain knowledge. Let's lead these chapters back into the light so that they will continue to incorporate new members who will continue to spread positives. The dissemination of this knowledge should be looked upon as a complement to the severe punishment that these chapters should receive, and it is incumbent upon older members to provide it, regardless of their status. The belief structure that their organization holds dear commands them to do so.

The founders of Dr. Jones' organization would no doubt be upset over the death of a potential member of any organization. I wonder what they would think of him suggesting that maybe they and all other Greeks no longer have a place in society.

Cedrick M. Daphney (Fall '03)
Atlanta
Nov. 16, 2004

The writer is director, social action and treasurer, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Phonky Pi Alpha chapter, Georgia State University.

Punish the Individuals, Not the Group

To the editor:

I take serious issue with Dr. Jones' article asking if "maybe" black fraternities should disband. I have his answer:

Unequivocally no!

We live in a violent society. People kill people. If the reason for disbanding black frats and sororities is violence, then disband Asian, white, lesbian and all other fraternities and sororities. Disband college in general. Disband music. Disband television. Disband sports.

In Vallejo, Calif., my hometown, a 16-year-old black student, Michael Pennerman, Jr., died on the football field Nov. 6. No one is calling to disband the football program. No one is calling to disband Jesse Bethel High School.

What is the real agenda of Mr. Jones, Kappa for life? I'm independent -- not in any sorority -- but black frats, black sororities equal black unity. Brothers and sisters doing something positive at a college level. Punish individuals for their individual actions, not organizations. If my child rushes a sorority and dies, I'm pressing charges against the individuals involved.

Should black frats disband? The answer is an unequivocal no!

Lisa Acosta
Oakland, Calif.
Nov. 16, 2004

The writer has a B.S. in cell and molecular biology from San Francisco State University, 1994; and expects to receive an M.A. in cell and molecular biology from San Francisco State in 2005.

Black College Wire welcomes original letters to the editor sent to [email protected]. Please keep them brief and include a daytime telephone number.