LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Greeks deplore hazing, too

To the Editor: Unfortunately, your descriptive examples of hazing on our campus were misleading. The reference to a "women's social club" responsible for blatantly hazing its new members was embedded in two paragraphs about Greek organizations. That particular group is not a member of the Panhellenic Council which oversees the eight University recognized national sororities at Penn. Their existence at this university is completely separate from the Greek system. The Panhellenic Council denounces hazing in all forms and continuously works to dispel the notion that hazing is a necessary attribute of Greek life. Hazing is inconsistent with the goals and purpose of a sorority, whose first priority is to promote sisterhood and create a perpetual bond of friendship among its members. The foundation of lasting friendships cannot be built on bonds of shared humiliation, degradation and discomfort. To ensure that pledging and initiation activities mirror the ideals and values of our sorority and comply with the University's Anti-Hazing Regulations, chapter leaders work together to actively review all new member activities. I understand that the DP was attempting to show the unfortunate prevalence of hazing activities present in many different campus organizations, but fair and accurate reporting is an essential element of reputable journalism. Gretchen Eschbacher Wharton '97 Delta Delta Delta President DuBois debate continues To the Editor: I am very disappointed. I came to Penn this year thinking it was the right decision for me academically, socially and economically. Now I am told by some upperclassmen that I'm "segregating" myself by living in W.E.B. DuBois College House ("Divided colors of Penn," DP, 9/6/96; "Dorm segregation unfortunate," DP, Letters to the Editor, 9/11/96) and by others that as an African American, I don't even belong here at Penn. One of the fundamental purposes of DuBois House is to foster understanding between different races. The house is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the African American culture. Freshmen have to write an essay on what they plan to contribute to the house. I made the mistake of assuming that the "intellectuals" here on campus (most of whom, I am learning, already live in DuBois) would jump at the idea of getting to know this culture better by living within the community, learning about its history and getting to know them in an informal setting, as well as learning with them in the classroom. I moved in early, with earnest, ready to learn more about myself and my culture. I wanted to learn how my culture fits in with everybody else's without being graded for it, so I would be told how people really feel, not what they wrote in an essay for Race and Ethnic Relations class. I came, and I saw only two white freshmen. One Latina who I know of. No Asians. No internationals. Do we bite? Black people are not all the same. We don't automatically agree with one another just because we have the same pigmentation. Who's to say I'm not struggling as hard to deal with my roommate from California (I'm from West Philadelphia) as Reiner, the letter-writer, was living next to "seven orange Martians or five purple aliens?" As a freshman, I think I am capable of knowing where I want to live for the next four years, seeing as it's my money (not my parents', not yours) that is paying the rent. I had specific reasons for making DuBois my first choice for residential living, like location, availability of work-study jobs, the support system for residents, the size of the rooms, etc. I applied to other places as well, including Hill House, Van Pelt College House and Ware College House. As an African American, I have made many friends from different locations, as well as ethnic backgrounds. If anything, DuBois has given me a chance to broaden my base of friends, instead of limiting it, while teaching them something about my culture as well. Do you know a white South African? I do. Do you know a student member of the National Association of Black Journalists? I do. Do you know any Latin Americans who are interested in folklore? I do. And I'm just a freshman. The connections I will make over the next four years at Penn will be immeasurable, both in their size and scope. A note to Reiner: Am I really segregating myself or are you just missing out on a opportunity for "tolerance" by segregating yourself and not stopping by or living in DuBois? Melanie Redmond College '00 n To the Editor: As I enter my third year at Penn, I have listened and read about the debate over W.E.B. DuBois College House. During these years, I've seen the blame placed on the African American students and the University for encouraging segregationist behavior. While everyone is quick to point the finger at others, I challenge you to point the finger at yourself. Ask yourself: When it came time to choose a roommate, why didn't I think about asking one of my African American or minority friends? When I was deciding where to live, why didn't I think about DuBois? In this country, we are taught to blame others first even though we may be part of the problem. No one would like to admit that he or she helps to add fuel to the problem he or she is against, but that is exactly what society has taught us to do. We are a country that believes in myths without fact. I urge everyone to look inward first, before placing blame on others. By doing this, hopefully attitudes and opinions will change, thereby opening the door for real, honest dialogue about racial and social problems. Alton Strange Education Doctoral Student Story placement questioned To the Editor: You made us mad when you sidelined an important and touching story. Enrique Parada was a hero and more human than most one finds. Yet his unselfish death while attempting to rescue his father only made page 4 ("Engineering senior drowns in attempt to rescue his father," DP, 9/12/96). It seems Judith Rodin's salary was more important. Paula Lifschitz College '98 Susie Polywka College '98 David Quintiliani College '98