Since the University's chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity left the Black Fraternal Council in favor of the Inter-Fraternity Council last week, the reaction from the University community has been mixed.
While the Alpha Phi Alphas say they believe their move was in the best interest of their fraternity and its mission, M. Rick Turner, dean of the Office of African American Affairs, has called into question the decision and the effects it could have on the African-American community.
"There is nothing to me that justifies this move," Turner said. "Martin Luther King, Jr. was an Alpha, and he would roll over in his grave if he knew that these young men made this move."
Despite Turner's disapproval, Alpha Phi Alpha President Brian Pennington emphasized the benefits the chapter's move could have on the University community.
"Our ultimate goal is serving the African-American Community better," Pennington said.
However, Turner expressed a far different opinion about the implications of the move.
"I think it's disgraceful," Turner said of the Alpha Phi Alpha's departure from the BFC. "I think it was haphazard. I just don't believe that they received the best counsel. I don't think it was thought out."
Pennington and Alpha Phi Alpha Secretary Cameron Webb said they were disappointed to find out how Turner felt through comments he made in the classroom.
"We had a bunch of our peers calling us to tell us about the inflammatory comments he had made," Webb said.
Although no student in the class would comment on the record, Turner said that the remarks he made were to inform his class of important current events.
Turner said his main concern was that the Alpha Phi Alphas did not consult their national chapter.
"I don't think that they really went to their elders to work this out or discuss this matter," Turner said. "I wish these young men would have talked with the national office."
Although members of Alpha Phi Alpha said they did not consult the national chapter, its members did consult with alumni from their chapter at the University.
"We hold the ideals of our fraternity very high," Webb said.
Turner said he felt the Alpha Phi Alphas were following a "grass-is-greener" path to the IFC instead of struggling to make the BFC better.
"With more Alphas than any other black fraternity, they had enough power to assist the BFC to make some changes," Turner said. "They would have had more power [in the BFC], but I think they bailed out."
The Alpha Phi Alphas expressed their respect for Turner, but they maintain that their decision is final.
"We made the move so we can better serve our community and to beleaguer this issue is counterproductive," Webb said. "All we ask is for [those in opposition] to see the good that comes out of this in the end. At the end of the semester, come back and talk to us."
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