With regard to “Purge reveals sorority’s ugly side; The Delta Zeta chapter at an Indiana university evicted 23 women who didn’t fit its image” (2/25, A-1): I was among the victims of a similar “purge” at the University of Kansas in the ’70s.
I was a member of an unpopular sorority, and our alumnae advisers were bent on improving our campus image. Instead of asking us to leave the chapter (they were in financial straits and needed our dues), at recruitment events — where attendance was mandatory — we “misfits” were asked to stay out of sight and not interact with the rushees.
The misfits elected me their representative to protest. I did. I was ignored by the alumnae.
It was a slap in the face from my “sisters”: not life altering, yet not forgotten. It provided me insights on snobbery, friendship and compassion that have enriched my life and instilled a preference for the company of men.
I frequently see those same alumnae on the society page of The Star, being praised for their charitable deeds. I chuckle.
I hope the young women at DePauw Delta Zeta will be able to laugh someday, too.
J. Wright
Overland Park
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Like individuals, groups have body language. You can tell by what they do what they value. That goes for the sororities described as well as for churches, social clubs and many other kinds of organizations.
My advice to my own child would be, look carefully at the core values of any group before you join it.
Posted by: Joe Barone | March 03, 2007 at 09:05 AM