TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — National representatives of several sororities say they’re investigating the member recruitment process at the University of Alabama after some groups were accused of rejecting two potential members because they’re Black.
Pi Beta Phi sorority, Chi Omega and Alpha Gamma Delta released statements to WTVM-TV saying their organizations are investigating after the UA student newspaper, The Crimson White, reported members of two sororities were looking to vote on inviting African-American candidates to another round of interviews but were blocked from doing so by alumni members.
Dean of students, Tim Hebson, said all of the university’s organization should make sure their actions and decisions support inclusion, the station reported.
“Our student leaders, our student body and their parents, our employees and our alumni will work hard to continue the progress of the last 50 years as we work together to make access to opportunities available to all,” his statement read.
Associate Vice President for University Relations Deborah Lane told AL.com the university’s administration believes “this is the right time to do the right thing, and we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to and can choose from multiple opportunities that match their personal interests and goals.” School officials have been in discussions with local and national chapters of the campus’ Greek organizations, Lane said.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, a University of Alabama graduate, told WBRC-TV the University of Alabama Greek System was wrong to reject qualified potential members based on their skin color, and alumni members should change their attitudes.
“I think the universities can put pressure on it. I can speak out against it. I just believe you can choose someone on their character, on their qualities and it should have nothing to do with the color of their skin,” Bentley said.
