"A Message to the Greeks"
by
Alison Aubrecht
Let me get straight to the point. No beating around the bush. This is a challenge to the members of the Greek community at Gallaudet University. Alpha Sigma Pi. Delta Epsilon. Delta Sigma Phi. Delta Zeta. Kappa Gamma. Kappa Sigma. Phi Kappa Zeta. Zeta Sigma Psi. I’m writing to you. I’m writing to your alumni who are currently members of the Gallaudet community. In my four years as a student at Gallaudet University, one thing was crystal clear. Greek members are the core of our Gallaudet community. Some people may disagree, and that’s fine. What is not clear, however, is whether or not their goals are congruent with their actions. Allow me to explain. Most Greek organizations hold the goal that fellowship is a vital part of their values. What is fellowship, exactly? My understanding is that good fellowship lies in showing genuine respect towards ALL people of the community. It means that no matter who a person is or where he or she comes from, we will make the effort to not only get to know one another, but maintain a friendship with those who share a mutual respect—regardless of how people in general view specific people. Now, ask yourself, while your organization may promote fellowship, do you act on it? Is your interaction with members of the community genuine? Do you “give people the time of the day?” Don’t get me wrong, we’re all human. No one said you have to like everyone. But there is a difference between not liking a person or two and rejecting a lot of people. Most Greek organizations value leadership. To me, it’s not just how one leads that matters. What matters more than that is the cause in which you are fighting for. Would you respect, for instance, someone who was leading a group that’s sole desire is to ensure that Gallaudet University is shut down? The point is, in my four years at Gallaudet, I don’t think I’ve really had the privilege of seeing Greek members come together and fight for the issues that are attacking the heart of our community. I have spoken with so many members of the community who have passionately despised the educational structure at Gallaudet University. People I have spoken with recognize that many faculty in our University “dumb down” their courses. Yet I do not see some of the strongest members of our Greek community (which is a huge force when they come together) making the effort to push Gallaudet to raise it’s standards of education and admission. I do not see organizations pushing to fight against the oppression that we all very well know exists. I do not see members filing complaints against DOSS and Faculty members who cannot communicate enough to protect and serve, let alone EDUCATE. We do not shut down the favorism that, although feels like an advantage to many of us, kills the spirit of the students who truly have the motivation to rise and succeed. Speaking of which, whatever happened to advocating for Deaf people and areas related to Deafness? Whatever happened to empowering the Deaf community as a whole and not just the members of our own organizations? The Deaf community is so small, so damn small. We say it every day. Yet we make it smaller by huddling up with our colorful groups, soaking up the belief that “our group is the best.” Deep down inside, we know the truth: WE each belong to a group greater than that of Greek organizations. We’re members of the Deaf community. It benefits you as an organization member to encourage the Deaf community to grow—intellectually and socially. Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship!!!!! After all, you need members who meet your criteria, don’t you? This means going out and advocating for the best education for our Deaf children. It means getting involved with research to find out the BEST way to educate a Deaf child so he or she will succeed. Someone once said, “Leadership is action, not words.” At the moment, I can’t remember who said that. So many of us talk and then fail to act. Why? Is it fear—fear of being rejected by the community? Or is it that we’re so comfortable sitting around not having to do the extra work? Are we afraid of being slapped in the face by administrators and faculty members alike? Of being kicked out of Gallaudet or denied the letter of recommendation we so desire? I recognize that many of you will say, “Greeks do enough.” “We’re busy with so many things.” “We contribute to the community in so many ways.” Yes you do. Yes you are. But with increased “status” comes increased responsibility. Once you enter an organization you prove your motivation to work towards the goals of the organization (or do you?) You are saying to the rest of the community, “I stand by the goals of this organization and I take the time and effort to accomplish those goals.” Now, do you? Really? People look up to you. You become a model for the community. If all you do is have the occasional party, bake sale, and do community service now and then along with host a pledge program, then that doesn’t really say much about your goals, does it? Sure, it shows your commitment to your organization, to the development of your organization. But to the community? Hmmm. Perfect example: take goals of fellowship, leadership, and scholarship and put all that energy into fighting to get ABC license to sell alcohol on campus. I understand the rationale behind wanting an ABC license, but I fail to see how this issue is congruent with the goals of individual Fraternities and Sororities. I’m not going to “sit up here on my high horse” and tell you what to do. I’m going to stand with my feet on the ground and ADMIT that as a Greek member during my four years at Gallaudet I did not do enough for the community as a whole. I could have tried harder, I could have put my efforts into something that would benefit the community as a whole. And I plan to spend the rest of my years trying. In little ways I can. You have a group behind you. Don’t waste it.