Our view: Don’t ban frats; ban the secrecy surrounding frats.
Among all the reactions and outrage over the racist SAE video are voices calling for OU to abolish fraternities on campus. Some have used the actions of a few ignorant SAE members to characterize all greek members as racist and ignorant. But, we know the hatred of a few doesn’t reflect the hearts of the entire greek system. However, the SAE video showed the world that when you’re part of an organization you represent it in all you say or do.
Like it or not, the racism of the SAE members on that bus has put OU greek life under the microscope. With that in mind, we believe it’s imperative for OU greek organizations to be more transparent and open about their practices. We believe OU shouldn’t ban fraternities — OU should ban the secrecy surrounding greek organizations.
If OU wants to maintain its zero tolerance policy towards racism, as President Boren proclaimed on Monday, we must shine a light on the shadowy parts of campus to reveal subtle racism ingrained in OU organizations. We believe airing out greek policies should be the first of many steps to root out institutional prejudice at our university.
We are fully aware of the many benefits greek organizations provide OU, from higher retention rates to raising funds and volunteer hours for philanthropies. However, the general population at OU has no idea how fraternities and sororities select their members. Furthermore, OU administration can’t monitor the selection process or hold people accountable if biased recruiting does occur. The university endorses greek organizations and as such greek houses should be required to report their demographics and selection processes.
The secrecy and exclusivity surrounding greek organizations sets its members apart from the general student body, but it also breeds suspicion among students not involved in greek life. That secrecy is especially concerning when controversies like the racist SAE video happen and greek members refuse to speak. OU students deserve to hear greek voices about the SAE incident, but no greeks will speak to The Daily. Breaking down the chosen barrier of silence between greek students and non-greek students is essential to ensuring that no greeks ever become so insulated that another horrifyingly racist incident like the SAE video happens.
We understand national greek leaders and presidents of OU chapters often order members not to speak to media or outside parties in the aftermath of events like the SAE video. However, protecting a greek house’s reputation is not more important than speaking out about racism. We challenge members of OU greek life not to comply with such gag orders and to instead speak up about any other incidents of racism or prejudice occurring within their community.
This challenge extends beyond greek organizations. We implore all OU groups to re-evaluate their policies and practices to ensure that any member of the Sooner family would feel welcome and accepted. Speaking out for what's right requires courage. Thankfully, the efforts of student groups like Unheard and the reaction of the Sooner nation to the SAE video show that enhancing diversity and equality is and must remain a priority for OU.
