THE RECENT Inter-Fraternity Council decision to end the rental of their houses to non-Greek organizations can be seen in only two ways: either as a symbol of white privilege at the University or as a refusal to align and help fellow black students with the problems they face. The decision is shocking and detrimental to fostering camaraderie between two segregated communities. The IFC is well aware that most social events for black students are sponsored by non-Greek organizations. Although the IFC may claim security reasons among other factors for its decision, it will forever change the social life of black students at the University and prove that the larger University community is apathetic to the demands and needs of its black population.
It is a fact that white people in this nation have a privilege due to historical events; this case is no different at here. The University was founded in 1819, yet it did not admit a sizable number of black students until the early 1970s. This truth explains the great disparity of resources available to both groups, including fraternity houses. Today, no black Greek or non-Greek organization has a house. Unfortunately, we cannot change the hands of time. We can, however, strive to take responsibility and account for these inequities in order to promote solidarity. The IFC, a coalition of mainly white fraternities, chose to take a different approach and prove its indifference to inequality and support the present system of access. They are satisfied with the way things are and probably could care less about a group of black students who do not have the same opportunities to "release" as they do.
Rugby Road has become an integral part of white students' experience at the University, but black students have been kept out of this milieu. This dilemma that many term "self-segregation" is simply forced segregation. Black students are not largely invited to events on Rugby Road and usually do not feel welcomed or comfortable for whatever the reason. Therefore, it has been important for black students to create functions that are centered around their interests, allowing them to experience a social realm of University life. The challenges that black students have faced in building this experience, such as safety, are part of the reasons the IFC is refusing non-Greek organizations from renting their houses.
Black organizations that seek to throw parties face many challenges. The first conflict is the fact that the facilities available on Grounds close early, which means fraternity houses are usually the best alternative. The cost of the fraternity houses, along with other necessities, is quite expensive, which forces the student organizations to charge their guests a fee. Another problem that surfaces is overcrowding, which is inevitable since there is usually one party a weekend to accommodate a large number of black students and community guests, who also do not have an outlet on weekends. White students do not face this hurdle since they have the advantage of promoting many events to give students options.
Nonetheless, the most serious problem is that of security. Certain police officers have stated that our parties attract a certain "criminal element" from the community. Fights may break out and on a few occasions gunshots have been fired outside. However, all these problems - fighting, assaults and overcrowding - occur at white fraternity houses on Rugby Road, yet black parties are disproportionately targeted. This results in a lack of tolerance for black student parties by police officers who quickly shut down our parties. Many students claim to have been disrespected and harassed unjustly for the actions of one or two individuals. To rid itself of these issues, the IFC opted to continue perpetuating their cycle of privilege instead of attempting to combat these problems alongside their black counterparts.
The University itself has obviously done a poor job accommodating its black students. The IFC has now aggravated our situation as we are left with few options. In fact, since the decision, there has not been a single "black party." We have been left out in the cold not only by the same University that gains so much from us, but also by students whom we are supposed to see as peers.
Many students interpret the decision, which passed by a vote of 24-3, as simply racist and a slap to University amity. Some find it ironic that this decision was made in the midst of patriotic fervor and a nationwide call for unity. While supporters of the IFC's decision might call these claims extreme and radical, we truly hope and pray that members of our community reassess their position in life. The University has a white identity that has not been warm and supportive to its black students. We hope for a wake-up call for all students to reach out to each other when facing problems as opposed to ruling them out as the IFC has chosen to do. Finally, we hope that the University supports us in our aim in creating a black social center and an improved and equal community. It is important that we come together to build an environment free of inequality.
(Bokar Ture is vice president of the Griot Society.)
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