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UA Greek System: Rushing, Pledging, Bidding, and Race

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The Greek system at UA is one of the biggest in the nation; many students come to UA precisely for its fraternity and sorority opportunities, while for many UA students these clubs are a problematic aspect of their university.  Much of the controversy surrounding UA's extensive Greek system is its racial politics: as of fall 2013 the University of Alabama sorority system remained fully segregated, meaning no African-American women were members of the "traditionally white" houses on Magnolia Lane. 

The five student projects on this page reflect and investigate this incredibly sensitive and ongoing topic. One thing all student-scholars found? The conversation is far from over.

BLEND: Student Activism Against Racial Discrimination

Starting in spring of 2013 with their Rhetoric of Social Protest class, and accelerating through the fall semester, three UA sorority women sought to use the momentum of the recruitment discrimination scandal to create a positive force for change and progress at UA. Sarah Elizabeth Tooker, Haley White & Marry Sellers Shaw created a new student organization, BLEND, aimed at uniting students and reducing racial tension, and they conducted extensive research into what works in higher ed diversity education.

Going Greek at UA: Reflections & Investigations

Sara Tedford, a member of an all-white sorority but not a native Alabamian, conducted a "Help"-type project interviewing the all-black staff at her house. View her notes below.
Jenna Wilson, who grew up in an all-white town in Alabama, reflected on her conscious choice not to join a sorority then interviewed friends who had chosen to rush. She also interviewed friends in all-white sororities; a portion of these interviews is below:

Attracting Diversity to 
UA Fraternities

Ryan Snyder, a fraternity member and officer, designs an informative pamphlet urging men of diverse racial backgrounds to consider pledging.

Fostering Collaboration Among 
UA Greek Clubs

Sarah Catherine Barlow proposes an annual social event for all Greek clubs on campus, traditionally white, traditionally black, and new alternative multicultural groups, to foster collaboration and community.