Today’s Staff Editorial
From the racist, sexist email sent by a former Kappa Sigma fraternity member to the protest on Fraternity Row to the recent sexual misconduct policy revisions, a culture of change and a push for progress has intensified in response to systemic issues of sexual assault, and it’ll remain that way for the foreseeable future.
Wednesday’s Greek life sit-in at Nyumburu Amphitheater is yet another example of our community’s efforts to actively engage these issues. Throughout the day, students and activists shared their perspectives and stories on sexual violence to promote sexual assault awareness on the campus.
Such events are significant, especially for the Greek life community, which has been victimized by stereotypes associating its members with fostering a racist and sexist culture. Therefore, this editorial board applauds the Greek life community for creating a platform to showcase its agenda.
At this sit-in, the Greek life community was able to effectively show that its members are willing to take ownership of the problems within their organizations and are ready for real discussions toward change.
Despite these promising steps, some students criticized the sit-in and maintained that such events will not change our culture. Regarding them, we can feel nothing but disappointment. They simply fail to understand the significance of what community leaders are trying to represent.
Yes, it was a Greek life sit-in; however, the greater message is that fraternity and sorority members are trying to assimilate into a community that has been rejecting them. They want to show that they are ready to find a solution and need the help of the student body, professors and organizations.
If anything, those consistently opposing progress or even idly standing by trivialize the seriousness of these problems.
What’s even more disappointing is that a similar presentation of carelessness was displayed during the march on Fraternity Row earlier this semester. This editorial board conveyed our frustration back then, and it’s upsetting to do it once again.
As a campus, we need to understand that when there are opportunities to move toward change, such as yesterday’s sit-in, we need to do our best to show our support. After all, similar events will continue to take place next year and in the years after.
No more negligence or negativity. Let’s be transparent about these issues across different organizations, show that we genuinely care about the problem at hand and work together as a whole to create change.
