LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Racial Debate Continues

To the Editor: I would also like to clarify a few things. It is obvious that many people are ignorant of the 90-year traditions and workings of Big-C organizations, especially Matthew Brown, Daniel Goldring, and Maria Oyaski. First of all, the Big-C does not go out of their way to exclude whites nor do we refuse to accept members on the basis of race. The BiCultural Intergreek Council is predominately black and Latino (not exclusively), and Big-C organizations, in general, do not have houses. So, Daniel Goldring, to refer to Big-C organizations as black houses is an incorrect statement that could have easily been researched. Our interest meetings are open to everyone. Based on our turnouts, the majority of white people seem to lack interest in being a part of the Big-C. Matthew Brown said that the reason there aren't many minorities in the IFC houses is because not many [minorities] decided to rush in the first place. It seems to me that the minorities that decide to become members, join the Big-C because that is where they would feel more comfortable, similar to why mostly white people rush the IFC and Panhel. (By the way, Big-C organizations don't rush, do your research!)You shouldn't make blanket statements regarding issues you are obviously ignorant of, and to publish such stupidity is extremely unprofessional. Living on a university campus requires tolerance of others. We should learn to be more tolerant of each other, even if it's for 15-20 minutes on a weeknight -- just as I tolerate other groups that celebrate in ways that may disturb me. It is understandable that people were disturbed and that's unfortunate. I agree Maria, that this is a university and many people came here to study, but there are others who not only came to study, but also to expose themselves to different cultures. Is that too hard for you to grasp? Next time, I invite you to come on outside and join in the festivities, you just may learn something. Ingrid Austin Engineering '96 Vice President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Corresponding Secretary, Big-C n To the Editor: It is only ignorance that could drive people to say that the Big-C organizations practice discrimination against other races since they often have a more diverse constitution than many other organizations on this campus. To parallel Mr. Matthew Brown's statement made earlier this week: If there are not a lot of "majorities" in the Big-C organizations, it is because they decided not show any interest in our organizations. Yes, even on this campus, Big-C organizations have, or have had membership that has spanned the "ethnic" gamut. Thank you, Mr. Goldring for illustrating, once again, how what you don't know can hurt you. The Big-C groups are not composed of "black houses". How could you, firstly, forget the two Latino organizations that make up a fourth of the Big-C. Secondly, I disagree, as you do, to the IFC and Panhellenic council being referred to as white fraternities and sororities. Please, then, don't be naive and call the Big-C groups "black houses." As a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, I say, with pride, that members are selected on the basis of how they exemplify the goals of my fraternity and not because of their race. The men of my fraternity who happen not to be of African descent are my brothers and you have disgraced them and me for denying their existence. As for the issue of whether or not race played a role with the sorority in Superblock, I'll say this: If everyone was so inconvenienced by the 15-minute exhibition that took place, why wasn't there anything thrown from the DuBois College House at the sorority? Why didn't they yell and complain just as much as those in High Rise North? The racism lies in those who don't bother to learn about the values, customs, and cultures of others and therefore cannot tolerate seeing anything "different". So yes Ms. Oyaski this is a university where people come to study and people do need their sleep and quiet. But people to often forget the university part and the degree of learning that goes along with it. If this is an institution of the highest learning, let's, at the very least, act like we belong here. Max Covil College '96 Vice President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. n To the Editor: I am writing to respond to recent comments concerning Paula Odysseos'"Crossing the Racial Divide" (DP 11/8/95). As a student of color who has attended this university since fall of 1992, I have witnessed, as well as, been a part of various incidents of ignorance and disrespect, such as the event experienced by the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Under no circumstances should any person or organization be subjected to harassment or violence simply because another student feels "inconvenienced." From my viewpoint, not only was this incident one of ignorance and racism, but so were the responses to Paula Odysseos' column. As a representative of the BiCultural InterGreek Council I can say that those responding to her article have absolutely no knowledge or understanding of Big-C organizations, and I question if they have even taken the time to attempt to find out. The mere fact that someone would accuse us of excluding whites from becoming members of our organizations when we were forced to form our own because we were being excluded, is an insult. Simply because our organizations are historically black and Latino, just as other organizations are historically white, does not mean that we do not have members of various ethnicities, races, and cultures. Our organization, like other organizations focusing on the concerns of people of color, were founded because our values, cultures, and customs were not respected and embraced by mainstream America. Our organizations are still in existence because our issues are still not being addressed. If you had asked questions instead of making assumptions, then you would know that our celebrations in Superblock are very important traditions of Big-C organizations here at Penn. Before we have these events, we always contact the police, which makes our celebrations University sanctioned events. Each year many students of color are "disturbed" by the noise and virtual hysteria during Spring Fling, but we know that this is also a University sanctioned event so we respect students' right to participate. I don't understand how anyone could deny that race was a factor in this event. Simply based on the fact that harassment of students of color happens on a consistent basis on this campus would lead anyone to believe that this event is no different. I encourage anyone who has questions about Big-C organizations to ask before making sweeping generalizations and assumptions. Trista Bridges Wharton '96 President Big-C