TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! LOCAL SORORITY ORDERED TO DISBAND ACCUSES UMKC OF IGNORING DIVERSITY!!!



Here's an interesting story from my Alma mater.

A LOCAL SORORITY RAGES AGAINST UMKC POLICY THAT ALLEGEDLY THWARTS DIVERSITY!!!

A rather passionate member of the sorority recently contacted TKC and made a rather convincing case by appropriating the language of diversity to fit her cause. It's also disappointing, but not surprising, that UMKC doesn't really go out of it's way to support anything local.

While I think the fact that local Latinos aren't really welcomed or recruited by this institution might be a tad more important . . . I can understand the frustration from this group of women and that's why I didn't use the first pillow fight photo that came to mind.

Check out their story and judge for yourself, the emphasis added is mine:

"I am a member of Delta Rho Sorority. We are a local sorority established in 1989 on the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus. We were recently notified that UMKC will no longer support us a sorority. We were ordered to either affiliate with a national Panhellenic sorority (meaning take on their name and rituals and cease to exist as Delta Rho) or disband. Delta Rho was not accused of any wrong-doings and was not violating any university policies. UMKC has simply decided not to allow local sororities on campus anymore.

UMKC claims to pride itself on diversity and frequently uses "diversity" as a selling point for recruitment. However, their discrimination against Delta Rho seems to be an attempt to stamp out diversity. The women of Delta Rho chose to join a local sorority because they were looking for an alternative option for Greek life. We wanted "something different." UMKC has decided that they will longer tolerate diversity in Greek life.

We are not ready to accept this decision. Delta Rho plans to continue to fight (and if we do not succeed we want to go down loud and proud.) UMKC can choose not to recognize Delta Rho as a sorority, but they can't take away our sisterhood."

Comments

  1. sororities/fraternities at largely-commuter universities are a joke.

    umkc, like other universities, only cares about the $$$. If you're latino, black, brown, yellow, etc. and can pay, they'll let you play.

    I don't understand the claim of "does not welcome local Latinos." Perhaps you meant "does not bend over backwards to give free rides and handouts to underachievers under the guise of supporting diversity"??

    ReplyDelete
  2. sororities/fraternities at largely-commuter universities are a joke.

    umkc, like other universities, only cares about the $$$. If you're latino, black, brown, yellow, etc. and can pay, they'll let you play.

    I don't understand the claim of "does not welcome local Latinos." Perhaps you meant "does not bend over backwards to give free rides and handouts to underachievers under the guise of supporting diversity"??

    ReplyDelete
  3. What's the nature of the "support" that they seek from the University? If it's financial,what prevents any group of students from banding together and seeking similar support?

    ReplyDelete
  4. 4:52, I attended UMKC and graduated in '87 - and belonged to a Sorority. I would guess that the reason they don't want a local sorority has more to do with accountability of behaviour, etc. National sororities control what does and does not happen and there are "adults" to contact and for the girls to answer to. We never rec'd financial assistance from the university, or any other assistance really. They supported Panhellenic - the governing council for the university (consisting of reps from all frats/sororities)which supported "rush" (the event that students participate in if they want to join a frat/sorority). Overall - it is the University's call and if the local group doesn't like it, move on. I don't buy this "we want to be independent, but we want to be a sorority" - doesn't make any sense to me at all. Every frat/sorority has their own attraction, and "common think", and I'll guarantee you this group isn't as "independent" as they think!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's ridiculous, this is why I hate the political structure of universities. It doesn't sound like these girls have done anything to deserve having their charter taken away--and no, not all sororities are created equal. I was in a sorority many years ago when I was in college and it's not about what most people think it is. The most important thing is the bonding and the life-long friendships between you and your sisters. The aim of every Greek man or woman is ultimately to be a better person, serve everyone around yourself, and help those who are in need. Do some groups forget about that and perpetuate negative stereotypes? Absolutely. But that's not why they exist. If they didn't break any rules, why are they not allowed to be on campus anymore? Doesn't make any sense.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think that what is happenening to these women is wrong. No where in the article does it say that the sorority is looking for financial backing from the school, they are merely looking for support. And the claim that they are not as "independent" as they think is a bit persumptuous. The article said that there were no misbehaviors or policies broken that called the administration to act. I have done more research on this and the sorority has a contitution and standards that can complete with many national soroities. They are accountable for all of there actions and carry themselves in a way that all young women should. If the administration refuses to recognize these young leaders, it is truely a loss.

    ReplyDelete
  7. UMKC KILLS OUR SORORITIES!!!

    I totally agree with the notion that UMKC does NOT support anything local.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can clarify that in no way, shape, or form did this sorority ever receive or ask for any type of financial support from this school. As for discipline, I don't think you would find a better group of hard-working girls with strong morals and high accountability. Saying there were no "adults" to answer to is ridiculous. Alum, as well as our our governing body were well aware that we would be lashed out upon 10x more than any other sorority if any member did anything wrong just because of the fact that we were local and knew it could be used against us. Being independent made us able to accept others and non-traditional students that other sororities may not accept. We were not judgemental, just a group of people who wanted something to belong to. We worked our butts off; being "independent" was not easy. Being local made our dues cheaper, seeing as how we did not have a large national council to support, making it better able for those with tight finances to join as well. After 21 years of love and hard work building something so memorable, it is tough to just "get over it" and "move on", especially when not given a good, clear answer why for closure.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am/was a member of this sorority. It is astonishing how UMKC values diversity in saying "UMKC will become a model urban research university characterized by signature graduate and professional programs, a dynamic undergraduate population, a highly diverse faculty, staff and student body, and active engagement with its city and region." ... Yet they are attempting to make us all cookie cutter. I attended UMKC because it was open to diversity. Never would I have guessed they would be such hypocrites.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Play the game perras. You're a bunch of real bright one's aren't you? Walk into someone else's game and demand that the rules be changed for you?

    Ls all around. Go play in the street.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Who is to say that Delta Rho cannot exist as a student organization??? Especially since they said they wanted an alternative to Greek Life, so why are you ladies crying about not being a part of the Greek Life? There are other options for you. It is not do (join a national org. - which can hold you accountable for your actions and behaviors) or completely leave campus. It seems to be there is a third option that is possible.

    And how does UMKC not support diversity? Have you looked at that campus? Seems to me minorities are actually the majority. Also, there are several organizations and groups on campus that are surrounded by diversity.

    Do your research before you bitch.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Am I correct in assuming these girls would no longer be able to prevent men from joining the organization if they were declared a traditional student organization and not a sorority?
    The quote says an alternative "for greek life" not "to greek life." Meaning they want to be a part of greek life. Probably they want to escape the stereotypes of national sororities... (So read properly before you bitch about people bitching. =P )
    I wish the women of Delta Rho luck.

    ReplyDelete
  13. UMKC and Diversity...when UMKC gives safe-harbor to Kris Kobach, who hates anyone with brown skin.
    Diversity at UMKC means poor & white, rich white, fat & White, skinny & white.

    ReplyDelete
  14. As a member of a Panhellenic Sorority on UMKC campus I can attest to the other side of this story.

    Although Delta Rho may not have taken financial support from the University, they were using the University's student insurance. Since the organization has much more relaxed rules and no direct supervision like that of a nationally governed organization, this is dangerous, which was the original issue. Our campus is a dry campus and all national organizations are held to standards in this area. The Delta Rho constitution, from what I understand, does not have strict rules on this subject which could be dangerous. Another issue is hazing. I'm not in any way assuming that the women of Delta Rho haze their new members because I don't have the knowledge to say whether they do or don't. However, nationally panhellenic organizations are against hazing. This not being a national standard for a local sorority could cause another potential danger to the university.

    I can understand being attached to the rituals and traditions of your organization. But sisterhood is ultimately the number one priority of a sorority. If asked to abandon my rituals and take on new ones with my sisters by my side, I think I could take that leap. I'm not saying it would be easy, but it would be something that a sisterhood as strong as they say theirs is could handle. You would still be the same group of women with the same expectations of your members. Yes, you would lose your letters and rituals. But you would gain so much more power in Greek life on campus which you long so much to be a part of. The letters don't make the sorority, the women do.

    ReplyDelete
  15. When I first went through Delta Rho's recruitment, the thing that really attracted me was that it was local. The fact that this smaller tight knit sorority felt more like a family than a widespread social hub is really special to me. Although I'm sure the other national sororities have their own closeness and sisterhood, I feel Delta Rho has a certain familiarity and acceptance to it that can't be limited by race, social status, or any other factor. For example, do you think that a student of lower income could have a chance of being involved in Greek life via a national sorority with dues of over $500? That in itself seems a bit selective to me. Oh, and just a note to a previous commenter, diversity isn’t limited to just ethnicity.

    As to UMKC’s claims of Delta Rho’s insecurity and impending liability, I have never in my nearly 2 years of membership seen any hint towards this. Similar to all functional organizations, Delta Rho has a system of order and regulation. Not to mention that we were willing to change much of our sorority to fit UMKC’s proposed stipulations on insurance and risk management. UMKC’s decision has been completely one-sided and, in my opinion, driven by money. This would definitely not be the first time UMKC has let me down.

    ReplyDelete
  16. In response to the Panhellenic member who stated that Delta Rho was using the University's money and had no rules on hazing and alcohol-- WRONG! Delta Rho is (as far as I know) one of the only sororities that has all NON-ALCOHOLIC mixers. Also, rules on alcohol and hazing are clearly stated in the constitution. We abide by all of the same rules as the Panhellenic sororities. Also, we have insurance that is more than adequate so we are not asking for money from UMKC. Delta Rho was founded by 13 women who wanted something DIFFERENT in the Greek organization and we achieved that. Our history and rituals are extremely important. If YOUR sorority chapter was revoked and your only choice was to become another sorority you knew NOTHING about and didn't rush, you would do it? Probably not. We are not girls who are desperate to be in a sorority just to say we are in one-- we joined because we loved what Delta Rho was founded on, our pillars, and our uniqueness. Please do not assume things about our sorority unless you know it to be fact.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Delta Rho has also been honored to receive both the Best Sorority award and Best Student Organization award from UMKC. Confusing much?

    ReplyDelete
  18. As an active member of a Panhellenic Sorority on the UMKC campus, and a good friend to the Delta Rho chapter I can give you a good feel for this situation from both sides.
    First, allow me to educate everyone that is not involved in a Greek organization, or that has just forgotten, on the important aspects of being involved in a Greek organization. As described by the Greek Speaker that UMKC flew across the country last month to enlighten all of us…ritual is by far one of the most overlooked and sacred parts of a fraternity or sorority. It is what the entire organization is based around, and exemplifies the morals and hopes that the original founders hope to see in the next generations of members. By asking these girls to forget their rituals and history, and become a Panhellenic chapter we are erasing everything that is their chapter.
    Yes. Sisterhood can remain without a charter.
    But what is a sisterhood without that ritual that holds everyone together? It is just a great friendship. It is the ritual that holds this friendship above others, that bonds the sisters together forever by one secret.
    Sisterhood is a lifelong journey that you face together, and no chapter on this campus demonstrates in like these women. EVERY Panhellenic chapter has girls that regret their decision to join and initiate into the chapter they now belong. I have not seen one chapter that has 100% happiness on this campus, not one…other than Delta Rho. Every single woman that I have met from this chapter feels special, loved, and holds not one bit of regret. These women have been fighting for MONTHS to become what UMKC and Mel Tyler asked them to become. They were given a list of things to accomplish in order to keep their charter and they did so with flying colors. It is UMKC that did not hold up their end of the bargain, and in the end had no true explanation as to why the chapter was being dismissed, for they had taken care of everything that had been an issue before.
    The Panhellenic chapters and Inter Fraternity Council did not support Delta Rho through this situation for their own separate reasoning, but a few were coaxed by requests by school officials to stay out of the middle of the situation. We were told to stay out of the fight, because it’s not ours to fight. Out of fear and persuasion nobody stood up for the chapter, out of that same fear of being reprimanded my name will remain anonymous in this comment.
    Delta Rho has had an amazing 20 run, this spring they pledged in more girls than any Panhellenic chapter. The past few years they have multiplied their pledge classes, and have a ridiculous retention rate. Out of every chapter on campus, Delta Rho is known for being different. Not because they want to step outside of the rules. But because they offer something to girls that the Panhellenic chapters cannot. If you’ve ever been involved in the Panhellenic Formal Recruitment, you know that it is nothing but a numbers game. Every chapter gets an equal number of girls, meaning that not every girl ends up with the house she chooses and it breaks hearts and spirits in amazing women that may have excelled in another chapter. It is easy to not feel special in Panhellenic recruitment, like when you discover nobody in the chapter knows your name until a month in. I’ve watched amazing girls be cut the first night of recruitment from all but one house and leave because they felt judged by these other girls that don’t know them at all.
    [multiple comment post]

    ReplyDelete
  19. [cont. multiple comment]
    Delta Rho offers something that Panhellenic chapters do not. Year round they offer informal recruitment, something many Panhellenic chapters choose not to participate in. This style of recruitment is more meaningful, for it is based on more than a two-minute chat with two hundred women. Informal recruitment is based on finding friendships and realizing that you belong in that chapter. It is here that some of the strongest bonds are formed. The members of Delta Rho have had the honor of meeting many of their founding mothers and know everything about their alumni, as if they were still sitting in meeting right next to them every week. I am amazed by the detail in which they know their sorority when I know not one of the average Panhellenic girls could give you in full detail all her founders and the meanings on which the sorority was founded. Panhellenic girls are lucky to have met 20 alumni on a name to name basis.
    Do not judge this chapter because they are not the norm. It is because of this that we should embrace them. I love my chapter, and I am blessed to have found a sisterhood that I feel so strongly about. It is my sisterhood and love for my sisters that gives me the strength and need to leave this comment here. If this were my chapter, being asked to forget everything we were founded upon and pick something new…I would fight until my dying day. I am in my chapter because of what we are based upon and the sisters that I have found. I will never give that up for anything, and it is disgusting that UMKC is asking these girls to do so.
    I’ve never been ashamed of my school. I’ve recruited for UMKC, brought many students to UMKC, and have publicized it for being wonderful every chance I’ve gotten. I will no longer do so because the shame that fills my heart and makes me feel disgust in being a Roo, overshadows any experience that I’ve had on this campus. At least I have my sisters to keep me strong.
    Glad to see that our Greek Life is so great at Unity.
    Way to help each other out.
    To the Greek Advisors that just sat back and watched, thanks a million. You’re just as guilty. This could be prevented or stopped. It just takes one powerful voice. I’m sorry you’re so concerned with getting more recognition from bringing new Panhellenic chapters on campus that you need to destroy one of the strongest chapters here. Hope these two new chapters bring something great for you, because you just ripped the hearts out of every single DRho that has ever set foot on this campus. Please, go look yourself in the mirror and smile. You just made everyone of them cry.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Holy lord.

    ReplyDelete
  21. 1. Beer Olympics is not what I would call a NON-ALCOHOLIC mixer...

    2. Best sorority? Every student organization/Greek Organization nominates themselves for these awards. I've worked in the department that decides who wins what, and trust me it's not as prestigious as they're making it sound.

    3. To the Panhellenic Woman who wrote a novel about what a tragedy this is, it sounds like you joined the wrong organization. We were, as Panhellenic, urged to be unified on this subject since it was not a Panhellenic decision, but one made solely by Mel Tyler and UMKC. Greek life advisors had no control over the situation and couldn't have changed it. Maybe you should get off your high horse and start spending more time with your sisters you're "so glad to have" and not bash them with the rest of the panhellenic women who you say stood by and let terrible things happen to another organization.

    4. My sisters mean the world to me. I joined my organization for the women that were a part of it. If you took my letters, rituals, everything from me but let me keep the amazing women I have met along the way I would feel more than grateful. I agree that the women of Delta Rho have a strong sisterhood. Even one for the record books as you say it is. But what do letters mean in the long run? Nothing. They would have joined that same organization if it was called anything else because of the women in it. I think Shakespeare said it best, "A rose by another name would still smell as sweet." I would give up my letters, colors, rituals, secrets, mascot, house, charter anything I was asked to give up if I was still a part of the sisterhood I feel with these women. I would see it as one more adventure I got to experience with my sisters. And if the Delta Rho women are as diverse as they say they are, why wouldn't they want to take that diversity and add it to a Panhellenic sorority? They could change the stereotype of "cookie-cutter sorority girls" they say we have on our campus. (Although I have to disagree with that one.)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beer Olympics was not one of our mixers. Alcohol is allowed after our mandatory one hour stay. After that, girls who do not want to drink are welcome to stay or go. Also, we have "sober sister" drivers who are available each and every weekend and mixer to make sure our sisters arrive home safely.

    Delta Rho Sorority Established 1989 by 13 lovely ladies who wanted something DIFFERENT on campus...thank you UMKC for turning your back on 20 years of history, philanthropy, academics, loyalty, and sisterhood...

    ReplyDelete
  23. "I would give up my letters, colors, rituals, secrets, mascot, house, charter anything I was asked to give up if I was still a part of the sisterhood"

    ^You probably joined the wrong sorority. We understand we still have a sisterhood, but unfortunately without our "letters, colors, rituals, secrets, mascot, house, charter" we can not share that with others anymore. Thousands of womens lives have been changed through Delta Rho, I'm glad you're happy to see that end.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Get over it. If you're so diverse and special why do you care if UMKC recognizes you or not? You can still have your sorority just not UMKC affiliated. Duh.

    ReplyDelete
  25. replying to the girl above that said we should "get off our high horse".....

    If you haven't noticed, Delta Rho attracted the majority of us because it's diverse. I don't mean diverse in relation to just the color of your skin. I was so nervous the day I decided to go to recruitment. I didn't know what to wear, how to do my makeup, what to talk about... From talking to friends that had joined other sororities, I was expecting them to judge me right off the bat. The moment three of the actives greated me with big smiles I gained back my confidence and smiled back. I knew right away it was the right place for me. On top of not judging someone, like unfortunately most other groups do, it's also a much cheaper option. I know people who must pay well over $700 dollars a semester for their chapter. I can barely pay for school at the moment, so asking that much from me is out of the question.

    Before pledging in Delta Rho, I was depressed. I wasn't doing well in classes, I didn't know anyone yet, and I hated the school. These girls made me feel so welcome, helped me lift my grades up, and gave me a reason to stay here.

    We're not crying and asking for a pitty party. All we want are answers. We did everything UMKC asked us to do, and then they simply told us they would no longer support us without any answers. We've been respectful this entire time, but at this point, we refuse to go down without a fight. If UMKC continues to not support us, it doesn't mean Delta Rho will die. We will still be sisters, still continue our traditions and gatherings, and remember what it means to be a Delta Rho.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was a member of the Delta Rho sorority, and the disband has nothing to do with the way the sorority has behaved.

    The sorority was founded on the ideals of true sisterhood- we don't discriminate about what you look like, act like, dress like- we want you to be who you are. Our motto is "Individually Unique, Together Complete." We're in it for the sisterhood, not some false image. We aren't your typical or stereotypical sorority- we come in all shapes and sizes, with different backgrounds and interests, but we all share the love of sisterhood.

    We liked to be local because that meant dues could be more affordable. As a student paying her way through college, national sororities would be out of the question for me. Greek life should be available to anyone who's dedicated, not just to those who have the money to pay for it.

    Being local means you can't be labeled....we make ourselves what we want to be, and we don't have to worry about national reputations and discrimination.

    UMKC is afraid of liability... and they don't want to pay for it.

    After 20 years of history, philanthropy, academics, loyalty, and sisterhood, we're simply being thrown away.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would like to stress what someone has already stated on this forum: with Delta Rho off campus, it opens the door for another national sorority to establish a chapter on the UMKC campus. No doubt UMKC views this as a recruiting draw.

    Delta Rho obtained (and was willing to pay for itself) the necessary insurance and changed its constitution to meet University demands. They were shut down despite meeting these demands without knowing the reason why.

    There are plenty of local sororities/fraternities across the country, just google and see the options. Some have been in existence for decades on their campuses and are welcomed and supported.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would like to stress what someone has already stated on this forum: with Delta Rho off campus, it opens the door for another national sorority to establish a chapter on the UMKC campus. No doubt UMKC views this as a recruiting draw.

    Delta Rho obtained (and was willing to pay for itself) the necessary insurance and changed its constitution to meet University demands. They were shut down despite meeting these demands without knowing the reason why.

    There are plenty of local sororities/fraternities across the country, just google and see the options. Some have been in existence for decades on their campuses and are welcomed and supported.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Here is a cut and paste copy of the letter Delta Rho received that outlined the University's decision. Please note the lack of explanation with regards to why the sorority is being shut down.

    "Dear Tara,

    I have had a chance to review with Jennifer DeHaemers the conversation
    you and Dr. Kilway had with her regarding Delta Rho’s appeal and the
    additional information you were asked to provide regarding Delta Rho’s
    plan for recruitment, the 96 Unanimous Agreements, and risk management
    policies. I also have taken into account the insurance policy
    information provided during our prior discussion and the letters
    written by Delta Rho alumnae.

    After reviewing these materials and hearing Delta Rho’s position on
    this issue, I cannot support the independent status of this
    organization. As such, I ask that the current chapter members of
    Delta Rho choose one of the following three options: affiliate with a
    national or international chapter, become a regular student
    organization, or close Delta Rho as a social student organization. I
    request that a formal decision be provided by the chapter to me in
    writing no later than 5pm on April 16, 2010.

    A hard copy of my decision will be mailed to you shortly. I wish you
    the best as you make a decision on the future direction of Delta Rho.

    Sincerely,

    Mel Tyler
    Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
    University of Missouri--Kansas City
    p. 816.235.1141
    f. 816.235.6504
    tylerm@umkc.edu"

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sad day for Delta Rho. I was in a UMKC sorority and today when I see the chapter, I am amazed and honored at the diversity in my chapter. In the early 80's we had 2 national and 1 local who became a national. Delta Rho did not exist when I was at UMKC.

    So, become a UMKC group and keep your sisters together. There is always a way to make this happen.

    ReplyDelete
  31. By the way, Mel Tyler is simply asking them to TECHNICALLY redefine themselves for liability issues. Something anyone who has any knowledge of standard collegiate student life policy could understand this. There is absolutely no need for them to shut themselves down.

    ReplyDelete
  32. As a Panhellenic sorority member at UMKC, I would strongly urge Delta Rho members from refraining from talking poorly of Panhellenic women as this only makes you look catty and has the potential for alienating yourselves from a potential very large ally.

    I find it hypocritical for members of Delta Rho to assume that Panhell girls are UMKC are "cookie cutter" , and any discussion of the financial disparities is offensive. Several comments discuss the Panhell dues as if it is something to be ashamed of. Yes, our dues are high because we have national fees to account for. However, to somehow suggest that we are somehow less "diverse" because of the amount of money we pay is ridiculous. I have ALWAYS paid my own dues, as well as rent, cell phone bill, etc. And I am a straight A student in a Panhellenic organization.

    Might I suggest moving away from a discussion/comparison of Delta Rho to Panhellenic. This was not a Panhellenic decision. This was a UMKC decision. You don't think that we have consistently struggled with Administration for years on the issue of support for our organizations?

    I have a lot of respect for women in Delta Rho. Not because they are local, but because they have grown exponentially on their own in the past years. However, I feel your cause would be furthered positively if you refrain from discussion that sounds like you are implying you are "diverse" or "different" and are somehow of better quality than Panhellenic organizations. We are all sororities seeking the same thing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Yes, definately Delta Rho could become a student group instead of a sorority. But then they would not be allowed to participate in the fundraisers held by the other Greek houses, they wouldn't be able to participate in Greek week and I doubt that mixers with other houses would be possible.

    The underlying point is that the sorority has been asked to change without anyone telling them why.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would like to apologize to the Panhellenic member who has been offended by the comparison of our local organization to anyone under a national council. We are all extremely hurt and upset that everything that defines our sorority is being torn right out of our hands. This is probably why a lot has been thrown around that says that nationals are something we are not and vice versa. Neither one is better than the other. I am truly sorry if that is how it seems. We do not mean to bash Panhellenic sororities or anyone else, not only because of gaining allies (which we could not have any way since they would be reprimanded for supporting our chapter) but also because as Delta Rho we try to hold all of our women to the standard of respect towards ALL other Greeks. I admire Panhellenic women for the same reason we want to be admired. We all contribute to a greater cause on our campus and that deserves recognition.

    With that being said, I do think you deserve an apology because you are right, we do not know the ins and outs of Panhellenic life. That is mainly because we chose not to take that route. It just wasn't meant for us and that is what we are trying to tell everyone.
    I understand that we could still be sisters under a national name but realistically we cannot all afford national dues. I have two jobs and go to school full time and there is still no possible way for me to pay rent, bills, etc. and pay national dues. This does not mean I look down on Panhellenic women for having the means to do so. This just means I cannot and it is not fair that not being able to do so will mean I can no longer remain Greek on campus. This is what we mean by diversity and differences. We are not the same and we can never be and that is okay with us. We just want UMKC to let us be, that is all.

    As far as diversity goes on a broader level, our sorority is an example of this in background, ethnicity, economic status, and overall image. We all look different and live different but one thing holds us together and that is the sisterhood of Delta Rho, Lambda Mu Beta Chapter.

    There are many opinions out there and criticisms and misunderstandings. There always will be. Some people will agree with us, some wont, and others could care less. Regardless, I love Delta Rho sorority and I have since the very first day I stepped foot at the house for recruitment. Rameka Sahadeo, former president and current Alumni, talked about a group of women who had changed her life and all of the details that made the sorority "Individually unique, together complete." I will never forget this because Spring 2008 was when I made the best decision of my college career. Not only did I gain a sisterhood that captured my heart but I learned about responsibility, dedication, determination, and many other attributes that made me a better student, employee, volunteer, friend, family member, and woman.

    UMKC will never take that away from me. Even if they take my chapter, I will never loose Delta Rho.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have been a member of Delta Rho for 3 years, I have served in several different offices including on the Exec Board. We do not support hazing (it is crazy that someone would assume anyone would support any sort of hazing in their organization) it is illegal and degrading, we have never been a sorority that permitted any sort of hazing whatsoever. As for alcohol, we have strict policies against that as well, our Constitution is actually a lot stricter than most Panhell constitutions (and yes we do have copies of their constitutions so I can say that). I would also like to mention we do not ask for any sort of funding from UMKC and have been financially independent for the entire 20.5 years our sorority has been around. In fact as a former treasurer I can say we probably have more financial stability than most families. As for comparing ourselves to a Panhell sorority, we are not saying that being a part of a national sorority is bad it simply was not the choice our sisters felt was right for them. And for UMKC to deny their students to go outside of the normal "cookie cutter" greek life (that is not a personal stab at any Panhell sorority) we are simply saying we did not feel joining the typical national sorority to be a part of greek life was the right choice for us. UMKC needs to accept that Delta Rho was simply a place for women of any race, belief system, color, etc to go when they didn't necessarily feel like they would be happy (or fit in) in a national sorority. You are right, even if Delta Rho ceases to exist we will still have the amazing bond that so many other organizations lack, we will always be sisters, always be there for each other. I cannot tell you how many times I have called my sisters at 3:30 in the morning and they dropped everything to be with me. It seems that UMKC has forgotten everything that Delta Rho has brought to the campus, and we have done everything 110% that they have asked us to do and still they give us no explanation why. Being a Delta Rho has changed my life and all of the amazing women who have ever joined will say the same, it is a sisterhood that will change your life forever and even if we are forced off campus and they take everything away we will still have that bond forever. We just want an explanation, we don't want a pity party, we want answers.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I don't go to UMKC, but I would have to say that if this organization met the university's demands, the university should then tell them why they are still being asked to change.

    I would also have to say that I bet that if any of these "Panhell" sororities (whatever that means) were asked to become non-Greek and simply exist as a general student organization, they would be outraged.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What about Beta Sig? Both Beta Sig and Delta Rho were given the same options last semester. I'm curious as to why this is still even an issue. Delta Rho and Beta Sigma Phi were both asked to either affiliate with a national organization or become a student org. Beta Sig has since then decided to move forward with the affiliation process, and the university has gone through extension. Administration, panhellenic, Fraternity and Sorority leaders, and most importantly, BETA SIGMA PHI were all a part of the decision on which chapter to bring to campus.

    A national organization can do so much more for its members. There are leadership conferences to help tap into that inner strength, thousands of collegiate members who you can gain thoughts and ideas from, and countless alumni support to help guide your women during and after their college years.

    Being able to walk into Panera, and see a stranger wearing YOUR letters.....instantly you'll feel the urge to go meet a new sister. She may not look, act, speak, or dress as you do, but she joined the same national organization that you did, for its values and sisterhood.

    This is the same diversity that you claim to have, but on such a higher scale, and until you realize the potential that is waiting for you, you'll never know.

    In my opinion, you missed the boat. Going through another round of extension because you decided to go national after 3 months of running around in circles with Mel doesn't cut it.

    ReplyDelete
  38. To you above who would enjoying "being able to walk into Panera, and see a stranger wearing YOUR letters", that is why Delta Rho is different. We know EVERYONE who wears our letters and that is what we want to uphold. Please don't feel the need to comment if you don't know enough about us to make a reasonable argument.

    ReplyDelete
  39. As a pledge for Delta Rho, I have to say that I will not move on with Delta Rho if they choose to affiliate. This reason being, I chose to pledge for Delta Rho knowing that they were for the "everyday girl". I'm not rich, I'm not beautiful, nor am I fashionable. I like video games and Star Wars, in fact I'm fairly nerdy.

    I was a part of the ASA rush for 2 days at my former college. This was the most secluded moment I have ever had. During these 2 days, I had maybe 3 or 4 people talk to me while I was surrounded by over 60 women. Not only was this an unrealistic group for me personally but it was completely financially irresponsible for my status as a "poor college kid". Later, I joined a professional sorority and it was fun but we did not participate in any greek events. When I left, I had only hoped that I could find a sorority that had the stature and professionalism such as Delta Rho with having SOME of the social benefits that national sororities have.

    Delta Rho has fulfilled thus far the financial, social, academic, philanthropic, and sisterly aspects that I had hoped for. I only hope that I have the chance to experience all that Delta Rho has to offer. It's unfortunate that no one takes note that we aren't all cut out for the groups of ladies that choose to be national. Upon coming to UMKC, I had the option of joining Alpha Delta Pi, Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Zeta, and so on. No, I chose Delta Rho. I will not affiliate because I am in this to be a Delta Rho no matter what it takes. I have not spent my semester pledging to join these wonderful women and their predessecors to be shot down and told that I have to join the organizations that I opted NOT to join.

    This is in no way a shot at any national sororities in any form. I just needed for my reasoning of choosing to become a Delta Rho heard. I hope that people will realize that we are not out to fight with any of the sororities. In fact we would much rather associate with each and every one I'm sure. It's discouraging for us to be told that because of our values and being our own organization, we are not worth having around. Especially when we cherish most everything that every other sorority does.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I was part of a national sorority at UMKC many many years ago. However, I had several friends that were in the two local sororities on campus. I never had an issue before. During a Greek-Week event I got injured by a member of Delta Rho who decided to horse-around. Although her intention was no harm, the injury resulted in two surgeries to repair the damage. I thought the young woman and her sorority should be at least partially responsible for part of the medical bills (noticed how I said 'partially'). My plea to this local sorority was denied and UMKC said they could not persue anything further since there is no national or governing body. While my aim is not to sound bitter or put these women down, I believe it would be best if they were able to affiliate themselves with a national group for their own safety so that if an incident were to arise in the future (not just to an outside member, but a member as well), they would be able to compensate for it.

    ReplyDelete
  41. The above comment is ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  42. The above comment is ridiculous. If you don't want to get hurt, stay out of athletic events.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is the reason we all sign hold-harmless agreements. You sign a paper saying YOU are liable for any of your own damages.

    ReplyDelete
  44. To the two individuals that believe my comment is 'ridiculous': It was not an 'athletic event', it was suppose to be for fun. The last time I checked being a part of Greek life is suppose to be about having fun.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I went to UMKC a long time ago and I was in a national sorority on campus. I had many friends in other national sororities, as well as in Delta Rho. This decision had been an idea for a while (even way back when). Was there absolutely no other warning given to these girls?? If so, shame on UMKC!! If not, then what actions or involvement were taken by these women??

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have been an active member of Delta Rho for a year now. Joining this group of women has been the best decision I have made in my college career. When I first decided to go to UMKC I came to the conclusion that I wanted to join Greek like because I didn’t know anyone in the area due to the fact that I live in Kansas. I looked a few sororities on campus and planned on going to few recruitments to see what fits for me. On the very first night of Delta Rho’s recruitment I knew within the first hour that this was the group for me.

    That first night not only did I get a chance to meet all the active members of Delta Rho but I also had the chance to meet many of the alums as well. I found that it was awesome that the alums were so dedicated to be around as much as possible even though they have graduated. Meeting all of these wonderful women truly inspired me to stick with this and be a part of something that would help the community and change the lives of women in the future.

    All of the women of Delta Rho are wonderful and are extremely strong willed and dedicated to our sorority. We have put blood, sweat and many, many tears into our sorority. This is so much a part of our live. I know that many people have said that all we have to do is affiliate with another national group…yeah and that would be all fine and dandy if and only if we were able to keep what and who we are. The most important thing about being in a sorority is our rituals and our history. If we were to affiliate with another national chapter then we lose all of that. That is what we are fighting for. Yes will all will still be friends and be there for each other no matter what. But with this decision of UMKC they are basically telling us that we as a sorority will just be nothing. After 21 years of hard work and community service and good grades we truly mean nothing. It’s like they erasing us from the school’s history forever.

    ReplyDelete
  47. [continued from above]
    And I have seen that many Pan-Hellenic women have had mixed responses to this situation. Now we are not trying to sound like we are against you…we are not. We do respect you and your sororities. But I hope that you respect us as women and as a local chapter. That is what we would like to stay as…is a local chapter. I would think that if UMKC had come to your chapter and told you that you have to disband without any explanation that you would fight to the very end to keep what you have worked so very hard for. I would imagine that you would do everything in your power to let everyone in the community know what was going on and try to change the minds of the administration. That is what we are trying to do.

    The women of Delta Rho have so much faith and pride in what we have accomplished in the past 21 years and believe that we could bring so much more for this school in the future. We are such a young sorority and even though I have only been a part of Delta Rho for only a year I have seen the amazing potential in the many women that have initiated into Delta Rho and know that they would make amazing leaders and examples for this school. Also with UMKC doing this to Delta Rho they are basically saying that everything that our Alum have done is nothing basically. Our alum are devastated by this decision. They have done so many wonderful things for our sorority and continue to do so. I don’t know any other Greek organization that are so close to their alums as we are with ours.

    I know that many of these points have already been made but this is how I feel. It hurts me so very much that UMKC is ripping Delta Rho from us. I know that Beta Sig went through the same thing last semester. I know that it was probably just as hard for them. But we fought for Delta Rho and we were told that if we were to get insurance and add certain items to our constitution then we would be fine. And we did so right away. And in the end UMKC still said that we have to disband anyways. In the Fox 4 interview that was aired yesterday the UMKC administrator had mentioned that yes the girls of Delta Rho have been great up till now but they don’t know what the future will bring and they see this as a liability. But what I would like to say to that is…well for the past 21 years we have had wonderful women with no problems. What makes you think that our standards would change in the future? We strive to be the best women that we can and be role models for the girls under us and for the people on campus. We have never been in trouble with the school…have never been on probation for anything. What makes UMKC think that we will be any different in the future? 21 years of consistency should be enough to show that we as a Greek organization are not changing.

    ReplyDelete
  48. [continued from above]
    This is truly a very hard thing for all of us to take in. We are not asking for pity at all. We are only trying to fight as hard as we can to preserve as much as we can of Delta Rho which has changed our lives in so many ways. And yes there is talk about being able to become a Social Organization…and yes that is an alternative…but with that we are unable to continue to be a part of Greek life. We would not be able to help out other Greek Organizations with philanthropy events and work with them on anything really. Even though there are the natural competitiveness when it comes to Greek week, Patty Murphy, Beta Week, and so on it doesn’t change the fact that we are all a part of the Greek system of UMKC. And that is what unites all of us. I don’t know if I am the only one that believes this but I believe even though we are not a part of a national or Pan-Hellenic sorority we should all be fighting to keep Delta Rho alive. All the Greek Organizations are similar. We all are a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood that we feel so strongly about. We should all be coming together as a Greek system to fight for one another. I know everyone has their differences but we all have one thing in common. We are a part of Greek Life on the UMKC campus. That is what should unite us all.

    I pray and hope that we are able to change the minds of the administration …that is why we are fighting so very hard. We love our sorority and all the women that have been a part of it. I am proud to say that I am a Delta Rho. I know I will always be a Delta Rho. But I have so hoped that 20 years down the road if I have a daughter that she would be able to be a part of the amazing sisterhood that I am a part of, and not just that but being a part of something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

    This past summer I was given an amazing opportunity to meet many of the amazing alum and founding mothers of my sorority at our 20th anniversary. It was an awesome experience to show them what we have accomplished since they started this sorority. And to hear how proud they were of us meant the world to me. Even though I had just initiated a week before the anniversary it was an amazing feeling to hear that they were so proud of us. After seeing and hearing what the alum had to say about us made me want to strive to work that much harder for Delta Rho. I have hope that I would be in their shoes someday…meeting the girls that are active of Delta Rho and see what they have done.

    This sorority means the world to me and to all of my sisters. I do not believe that it is right for UMKC to take away something that has meant so much to so many women. I know that we will continue to fight for our sorority till the very end. We are very strong willed women and will fight for all the alum and for each other because we believe that what UMKC is wrong on so many levels. I know that this is happening in many other cities. But that should be an incentive for UMKC to work with us…to show that our school is different and to show the United States that even though other schools are doing away with local sororities we are keeping them and that we are proud to have a local sorority on their campus.

    ReplyDelete
  49. To the comment above about getting hurt.....
    One of our own girls at the very first greek week was injured as well. She never complained about it. To bring up that situation at all IS in fact RIDICULOUS. You can get hurt in any situation, and to be upset by that and want an action from Delta Rho, and even to use it as evidence for why we should be affiliating does NOT MAKE SENSE. If you are truely upset by what happened to you, there were more actions you could have taken on your own. You had the ability to sue either the girl herself or Delta Rho. You didn't have to go through UMKC to take action. I'm very sorry that you were injured, but that's what happens sometimes... And I can confidently say that our member did not purposely put you in any harms way.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

TKC COMMENT POLICY:

Be percipient, be nice. Don't be a spammer. BE WELL!!!

- The Management