I couldn’t exactly tell you how many times I’ve heard people go on about how we are completely diversified in America  or that racism was eliminated after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s. Anyone who regularly reads the news, or even just walks outside and is a little observant, can tell that racism and prejudice are very alive today. Are you still questioning whether or not racism still occurs? Just ask the group of women from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa who stood up to the backwards traditions of segregation among the nation’s largest Greek system.

One woman, Chrystal Stallworth of Oklahoma, was an ideal college candidate who had very appealing credentials; however, she was only asked back to four houses out of nearly twenty-five while other similarly qualified girls were asked back to nearly all. It wasn’t until after classes began that she realized that most girls in the sororities were not minorities. In some schools, the Greek system is rather irrelevant to student life. At Tuscaloosa, though, it is everything; approximately one out of every four students is a part of the Greek organization. This system is also one that is giving students better opportunities later in life: networking, careers, elections, etc. To be excluded simply by color or race is not right.

The problem with speaking out against these old “traditions” of segregation was that sorority sisters were often ill-advised to do so, being told that it would give their sorority a bad reputation. Finally, some brave women stepped up and spoke for their desire to integrate the Greek system. Although it caused discrepancies among some sorority sisters, these women stood strong. While sororities continued to ban and exile black rushees, the University finally stepped in, saying they would not tolerate any discrimination toward their students.

Unfortunately, racism does not go away quickly. Instead it’s often deeply rooted into communities that cling to the ugly past. However, what these students are doing is important. They are keeping open the discussion about race and racism and continuing to push people to think about their actions and about the negative light in which they are acting.

source: Marie Claire Article