Industry Update Provided by NPC

This week

In a lengthy piece in The Chronicle of Higher Education, reporter Sarah Brown offers a comprehensive review of the current state of the Abolish Greek Life (AGL) movement amid recent accusations of sexual misconduct within fraternity chapters nationwide—and the renewed activism that has resulted. Brown’s piece includes comments from officials at the Piazza Center at Penn State University, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and other researchers and “experts” on fraternity and sorority life. It focuses almost exclusively on the role of fraternity within the context of sexual assault and misconduct on campus.

The Associated Press and The News & Observer covered the suspension of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority on the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s campus following accusations of racism from within the chapter and the departure of at least 25 members. Former members accused the chapter and its leadership for failing to take seriously efforts to create a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee to address micro-aggressions and other experiences of non-white members.

Last week

Coverage of alleged fraternity sexual assault continues as The New York Times reported on growing anger and protesting of fraternities this fall—specifically citing recent upheaval at Northwestern University (among others). The reporting notes that with the increase in reported incidents, some students—across colleges and universities small and large—are pushing for the abolishment of fraternities on campus. The piece notes that fraternity officials argue that protesters are placing blame on fraternities for a problem that is bigger than fraternity culture.

Two weeks ago

The Associated Press and other local outlets offered continued coverage of protests regarding alleged incidents of sexual assault at fraternity houses or functions. Protests occurred at universities in at least seven states, prompting students and advocates to push for tougher measures against sexual assault. The heightened number of sexual assaults on campus have led sororities at Indiana University and University of Maryland to cancel events with fraternities, according to campus and local media. Indiana University’s Panhellenic sororities halted traditional activities with fraternities on Sept. 25, while University of Maryland’s Alpha Xi Delta sorority canceled all social events with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. 

The Washington Post, NBC News and other national outlets reported the suspension of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority at Methodist University after a white sorority member gave a racist presentation during a sisterhood event. A since-deleted Facebook post of the presentation showed pictures of Methodist University Black football players projected onto a wall as the sorority member critiqued their physical features and attractiveness. The chapter also has released a statement via Alpha Delta Pi's social media channels.

Additionally, Essence offered its own coverage via a round-up of other coverage detailing criticism of racist behavior within sorority chapters, specifically citing the experiences of women of color in predominantly white chapters. The piece quotes a statement National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) CEO Dani Weatherford provided to Buzzfeed for a story earlier in the summer.

Workforce Update

Please join College Committee Chairman Mandy Womack and her committee in welcoming Tamika Franklin, Alpha Psi/Lawrence, as college district director (CDD) in College District XI.

Theta Blogs

• Rethinking the Practice of Hand Signs
• Jewelry Deadline for Holiday Orders Is Approaching!
• Introducing the “Virtual Thetas” Online Program

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