The Spirit of Sigma Chi has long asserted that diversity and brotherhood are compli- mentary. Rooted in the Fraternity's founding, The Spirit says individuals can share meaningful bonds while maintaining their individuality.

Making the promise of The Spirit of Sigma Chi a reality is one of the Fraternity's greatest challenges.

Future members of Sigma Chi will come from a diverse pool. Cur­ rent birthrates are shaping a future where white males will not predomi­ nate. To prosper, the Fraternity and society at-large must adapt to increasing cultural and racial diversity.

This issue of The Magazine of Sigma Chi explores the essential union between fraternity and diversity, looking at several facets of the topic.

Profiles of Morris Dees and Stetson Kennedy highlight two men who fight for social justice. Other articles explore the differences between U.S. and Canadian perspectives, spotlight three brothers whose physical situations don't fit the typical mold and discuss the controversy over 'Political Correctness.'

"PR Nightmares" warns that chapters violating the sensitivities of others may suffer. Another article highlights a sampling of brothers work­ ing abroad. The Fraternity's own struggle for enlightenment is reviewed, and this issue's On Campus section explores diversity and multicultural­ ism through reports from Sigma Chi's active chapters.

Blooming throughout these articles is the theme that Sigma Chi evolves and doesn't fit narrow stereotypes.

To survive, Sigma Chi must continue bucking stereotypes and building an inclusive order-heeding The Spirit of Sigma Chi, in other words. This issue is offered to fuel that process. Crusading for Human Rights by Walter Hutchens n mid-century, before the Amer­ ican Civil Rights Movement rumbled fully to life, Stetson Kennedy, Florida '39, infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and flailed it fromI within. Kenned y exposed Klan secrets and piped information to the press, law enforcement officials and anyone who would listen. "A t tha t time people all over the world were fighting in the front lines in defense of democracy ... so the .. ' . 1# •• -., •• prospect [of personal danger] did not seem a sufficient reason to hold back," ~f;:::\;;: Kennedy recounts in his book The Klan Unmasked. He didn't hold back. He went after the Klan so ferociously he became a victim of its terrorism. TTT Kennedy's home in Switzerland, Fla. seems a haven now, but in earlier years the property was repeatedly torched by arsonists. Stetson Kennedy, Florida '39, left his "white flannels behind in Miami and "They would wait for a favorable went to Atlanta in search of a white robe" when he infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. wind, walk along the fence line at Here Kennedy shows a Klan recognition sign to reporters. night and set fire to the grass on my side of the fence, hoping the wind TTT and Titans [Klan officesl." The Grand would take the fire to the house," Backlash has snapped at Kennedy Dragon, the Klan's top leader, was the Kennedy explained to The Magazine more than once. principal villain for a series of episodes. during a recent interview. After living abroad for eight years, By portraying the Klan as Super­ "At the time I had only black neigh­ he returned to find "the property total­ man's enemy, the shows promoted bors. They would come to the rescue, ly razed. They'd gone to the trouble of understanding that the Klan is a vile and we'd put out the fire before it got digging up my orange grove, some 50- and hate-filled organization. to the house," he recalled. 100 trees. There was absolutely noth­ The programs also managed to "get "S.K.-You are finished; we have ing left," he said. the Klan's secret password into the just begun-KKK," threatened a mes­ On one occasion when arsonists mouths of kids," Kennedy recounts sage Kennedy found on the property's struck, folksinger Woodie Guthrie was gleefully in his book. outskirts after one blaze. Kennedy's guest. Roused from the Each time the Klan changed its pass­ TTT outdoor hammock he slept in, Guthrie word, Kennedy called the show's pro­ But Kennedy wasn't finished then ducers, and the writers would work joined the night-long battle against the . ," and isn't now. flames. the new password into the script. The His lifelong fight to expose injustice Once Kennedy was summoned to a bigots of the "Invisible Empire" could has garnered both accolades and Klan meeting where the "chief ass-tear­ not fathom how Superman was dis­ death threats. er" alleged a spy was among the assem­ covering their secrets. "Kennedy's ass is worth $1,000 per bled members. Tempers flared; the TTT pound, FOB Atlanta," a Grand Drag­ Klansmen swore to kill the turncoat. Kennedy scored other, less whim­ on of the Ku Klux Klan said years ago. Kennedy started to bolt for the door. sical anti-Klan blows. He diminished More recently, the Tampa Tribune Fortunately, he didn't. The Klan offi­ Klan assets by alerting federal tax offi­ called him a "crusader for human cial was bluffing. He didn't know who cials to income subject to unresolved rights./I the spy was and hoped the "alien" tax liens. He also testified in criminal At 75, he appears on nationally-tele­ would reveal himself by fleeing. trials against hate-group members. vised talk shows and speaks on col­ TTT But success made it more difficult lege campuses. He recently splashed One tactic Kennedy used against the for Kennedy to keep his identity con­ into headlines again by turning up Klan made its 'inner sanctum' the sub­ cealed. He eventually had to back out new evidence in a 20-year old civil ject of considerable ridicule: he sent of the informant role. rights murder case. Four of his Superman after the Grand Dragon. He didn't stop fighting the Klan books-The Klan Unmasked; Palmetto Kennedy provided script writers for and other hate-groups, however. "I Country; Southern Exposure and Jim the popular Superman radio show spoke to hundreds of meetings spon­ Crow Guide: The Way it Was-are in "with complete information about the sored by labor unions, churches and print from the University of Florida Klan's set-up, ritual and the roles synagogues, Young Men's Christian presses. played by Cyclopses, Terrors, Ghouls Associations, the NAACP, Anti- 4 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI. Winter 1991 Human rights activist, folklorist and author Stetson Kennedy hung his Klan robe in effigy at a rally of the hate-group in Macon, Ga. (right). Kennedy now lives and writes in his native Florida (above).

Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, foreword. He writes that he sees nized a chapter of a secondary school American Jewish Congress, progres­ progress since he first turned the spot­ fraternity called Sigma Phi Omega. sive veterans' groups, and also lec­ light on his home region and now feels Kennedy wrote the group's national tured at the University of Chicago, we need a 'Global Exposure' to high­ creed and organized an inter-chapter Ohio State, Atlanta University, Roo­ light ecological problems and other humanitarian contest that recognized international challenges. sevelt College, City College of New the chapter with the best yearly record York, Antioch, Wilberforce and the Palmetto Country, Kennedy's first of charitable endeavors. In college, New School for Social Research," book, was compiled from material he Kennedy recalls in The Klan Unmasked. collected touring Florida for the Feder­ Kennedy wrote a column for the TTT al Writers' Project, the division of the school paper and published stories Kennedy's other books drew atten­ Works Progress Administration that and poems in The Florida Review. He tion, too. employed writers and artists and pro­ also began the Intercollegiate Peace French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre duced guidebooks to each state. The Council in 1936. The group "met originally published Kennedy's Jim book has been called a "verbal time secretly, behind drawn shades, at Crow Guide. No American publisher capsule of the state a half century black colleges such as Bethune-Cook­ would touch it when it was written. ago." It is filled with the oral history, man in Daytona Beach," Kennedy told Surveying the systems of overtly folktales, songs and anecdotes that the Tampa Tribune. racist laws and unwritten customs characterized the state's folk culture in "The debate about the fraternities that "constituted an American the late 1930s. and their legitimacy in the high apartheid," the book is a mocking Kennedy headed the folklore, oral travel guide. history and social-ethnic unit of the schools and universities was already The book was "intended as a flare Federal Writer's' Project from 1937-42. raging in the '30s. I intruded into the to light up the scene, with highlights He is a founding member of the Flori­ discussion to some extent," Kennedy on the barbed-wire entanglements and da Folklore Society and was its presi­ told The Magazine. Jim Crow segregation signs to be dent in 1989. "Needless to say, the concept of uni­ encountered along the way of life in Jim Crow Guide and The Klan Un­ versal brotherhood is one that grabs the U.s.A." masked have been published in a num­ me in a big way, but out on the lake Jim Crow laws regulated eating, ber of languages. where I live, I've noticed that each sleeping, travel and marriage based Kennedy's current work-in-prog­ generation of hatchlings forms a upon race. Such statutes have been ress is a large 'naturalist manifesto.' group that preserves its identity. There eradicated, but in the new afterword "This has been a lifelong preoccu­ is a 1992 Mallard duck class that tends to his book Kennedy wrote, "Purging pation of mine," Kennedy said. "Many our nation of apartheid was a great of our society's problems stem from to stay together throughout life. In leap forward, but I put it to you that considering ourselves apart from and nature, a good many things born at the where once we had segregated racism, above nature. When we take a fresh same time and place form themselves we now have desegregated racism." look from nature's point of view, we into a mutual support group. That's Southern Exposure, published before see some of the things we're doing one way of looking at the fraternity The Klan Unmasked, sparked attention wrong and what we ought to be doing question. The fact that fraternities for its provocatively-titled chapter that we're not." exist to the extent they do and seem to "Total Equality, and How to Get It." Another book, After Appomattox, is be self-perpetuating indicates to me The book is an interpretive land­ scheduled for publication in 1992. there is some need in the community scape of the post World War II Ameri­ The Southern Labor Archives at or campus. can South. In it Kennedy urged Georgia State University and Tallahas­ "That is not to say the rest of the "working folks to arm themselves see, Fla. television station WFSU are with a ballot in one hand and union seeking funding for a documentary student body doesn't have the same card in the other and march together about Kennedy's life. need and ought to have comparable toward an unsegregated, democratic, TTT means of banding together and doing prosperous Southland." Even before reaching Gamma Theta things together, but, to my mind, that "It didn't happen quite that way," chapter, Kennedy was active in the satisfies the question of whether or not Kennedy writes in the 1990 edition's Greek system. In high school he orga- a need is being served." • Ripped Apart The Battle to Integrate Sigma Chi

by Fred Yoder

rand Historian Doug Carlson says the most fre­ form, stamped "approved." Fraternity laws also required quent question undergraduates ask him is if Sigma unanimous approval of pledges by chapter members and G Chi has roots in the Ku Klux Klan. General Fraternity Executive Committee members. The answer? ••• "Absolutely, positively not," he says. "The Founders The pressure for change first surfaced at the 1948 Grand would turn over in their graves! It's a bizarre rumor; I don't Chapter. Hubert Reynolds, Colgate '36, then a resident of know where it got started." China, proposed that the Grand Chapter eliminate the word While Sigma Chi has no ties with any hate-groups like "white" from the Constitution. The proposal was referred to the Klan, racial enlightenment does have a checkered histo­ a committe~, which recommended further study but no ry within the Fraternity, as it does in society at-large. In 1870 immediate action. Sigma Chi added racially-restrictive membership clauses By the 1959 Grand Chapter, campus pressure was growing that weren't removed until 1971. and a new proposal was presented to remove the word Carlson chronicles the Fraternity's struggle toward racial "white" from the Constitution. When votes fell far short of the equality, "the membership selection issue," in his History of 75 percent approval required, Gamma Mu chapter at Wesleyan the Sigma Chi Fraternity 1955-1980. (See inside front cover.) University in Connecticut surrendered its charter in protest. Following are the facts about Sigma Chi's past, drawn in Connected to the membership dispute was a strong push part from Carlson's History. by university officials for "local autonomy" for campus chapters. Local autonomy meant that no one outside of ••• the chapter's student membership could have any From the late 1950s through the early 1970s, Sigma Chi was say in membership selection matters or, in some torn over the "membership selection issue." For 100 years, the cases, in any decisions regarding the chap- Fraternity excluded African-Americans. Other minorities were ter. In 1960, the Grand Council added a sometimes accepted, but more often excluded because of their requirement to race or religion. The 1960s, in particular, was a decade of bitter the Statutes division within the Fraternity, as more brothers became con­ that granted vinced that changes were necessary to preserve the Fraternity alumni the author­ and its ideals. The International Headquarters received many ity to vote on pledges letters from alumni attempting to resign their memberships to and initiates in their respec- protest the Fraternity's racially-exclusive poli- tive chapters. In May of 1960, Dart­ cies. Had the controversy lingered unresolved mouth College, which had insisted on much longer, the Fraternity probably local autonomy for six years, stated it would have been torn apart. Between would wait no longer for Sigma Chi, and 1959 and 1969, 11 chapters surren­ the 67-year-old Eta Eta chapter was forced to '. dered their charters or had them re- surrender its charter. ~.~ ~;: :o;.;:t: ~';.\~ voked because

With pressure increasing••• from university officials, the threat of losing a number of chapters loomed large the Frater­ as delegates to the 1961 Grand Chapter debated the re­ nity's stance. submitted proposal to remove the word "white" from Frater­ Three of them nity laws. Even those opposed to any change in practices were never returned. persuaded that a change in terminology was required. The Although the Seven proposal was approved by 94 percent of the delegates. Founders made no state­ However, removal of the word "white" by no means freed ments restricting member­ chapters to initiate non-white students. In exchange for remov­ ship selection, a "whites only" ing the word, the following provisions were added to the laws: clause appeared in the Constitution in 1870. Over time, • Grand Council members were given the authority to many other policies were instituted to ensure that only anonymously "blackball" or withhold approval from any certain types of men could join. At one point, chapters were man in any chapter, without having to state a reason . required to submit to their Grand Praetor and the Head­ • Every chapter was required "to refrain from proposing quarters a pledge report form on each man which included for membership any person who for any reason is likely to be a photo and his race, religion and family national origin. Ini­ considered personally unacceptable as a brother by any chap­ tiation was not permitted until the chapter received each ter or any member anywhere."

6 THE M AGAZ IN E OF SIGMA C H I. Winter 19 91 • The above provisions and others concern­ reached the University of Colorado. The ing membership selection could be changed only university's Board of Regents revoked by a vote of 90 percent of Grand Chapter delegates, Beta Mu chapter's rushing and pledging rather than the previously-required 75 percent, and privileges because of Sigma Chi's racial changes could only be made at a regularly-scheduled discrimination at Stanford. The Col­ biennial convention. orado chapter remained open, but The demise of several chapters was temporarily under difficult and uncertain conditions. averted, but the dispute continued to escalate. Lists with the name, race and religion of every pledge ••• were circulated to Grand Council members. The Fallout from the membership selection issue absence of this information resulted in black­ created an uproar at the 1965 Grand Chapter, balling. attracting coverage from local and national news Chapters were told not to initiate without media. Representatives from the suspended Stanford approved pledge report forms. Even when chapter sought their charter's restoration, but Frater­ there was no hold on a pledge class, delays in nity leaders insisted racial discrimination was not processing the mountains of paperwork in the the reason for the charter's suspension and the mail resulted in frequent chaos. Phone lines at action was upheld. Headquarters were often jammed with chapters on Whitman College delegates proposed per­ the brink of initiation, asking if their forms were mitting chapters whose universities approved. At times, initiations were postponed. required local autonomy to disregard the Fraternity's membership selection regula­ ••• tions, but the proposal was defeated . In 1962 the Executive Committee revoked However, a resolution to remove photos Gamma Omicron chapter's charter for initiating two and any mention of race, religion or national Jewish students who had been denied approval. Spurred origin from pledge report forms was approved by the fact that Colgate University prohibited any such off­ by a 90 to 72 vote. As an action of the Grand campus authority, the chapter, finding no reason to deny the Chapter, it constituted a mandate, although two men membership, proceeded with the initiation with the several Grand Council members insisted support of its alumni advisors. that each Grand Praetor continue provid­ The Executive Committee debated the action over ing that information on all pledges in his the next year, first reinstating, then revoking the charter in April 1963, over the objections of Grand Consul William P. Huffman. Gamma Omicron chapter ••• did not return until 1971. In August 1965, the General Fraternity filed a lawsuit Columbia University, which had been pressing for change in the U.S. District Court in Denver against the since the late 1950s, had also adopted regulations requiring regents of the University of Colorado, claiming the local fraternity autonomy. As a result, the 70-year-old Nu Colorado chapter had been denied due process of law Nu chapter surrendered its charter in October 1964. and that the Fraternity's rights as a private association had been violated. The court eventually ruled against Sigma ••• Chi on all counts, upholding the regents' authority to impose In 1965, the most dramatic event of the entire regulations upon student organizations and setting a prece­ struggle unfolded at the Alpha Omega chapter at dent for future cases. Stanford University. Expressing disenchantment In December 1965, the 51-year-old Beta Nu chapter at with Sigma Chi procedures, the chapter was Brown University surrendered its charter because of univer­ prepared to pledge and initiate an African- sity rules against restrictive membership clauses. The group American student, knowing such an act would be disapproved. continued as a local until its return in 1973. The Executive Committee suspended Alpha Omega's Phi chapter at Lafayette College surrendered its charter charter, claiming the chapter "has been contemptuous of the in February 1966 when a pledge of Korean descent was Fraternity and its Ritual and forms of fraternal procedure." denied approval. Campus administrators, who insisted on Alpha Omega's chapter officers carried the issue as far local autonomy, had threatened to bar Sigma Chi if the stu­ into public view as possible. Networking with university dent was not initiated. officials, the university and chapter together sent a letter to officials on other campuses with Sigma Chi chapters, calling ••• attention to the Fraternity's membership procedures and The Stanford dispute continued to haunt the Fraternity. lack of chapter autonomy on such matters. The chapter's charter was reinstated in April 1966, but in The controversy between Sigma Chi and Alpha Omega November 1966, Alpha Omega chapter leaders announced, chapter thrust the membership selection issue into the lime­ first to the news media and then to the Fraternity, that the light across North America. Several national magazines cov­ chapter was disaffiliating because of its conflict with Sigma ered the fray. Brothers on both sides were upset that Alpha Chi's membership policies. The Executive Committee again Omega's aggressiveness publicly embarrassed the Fraternity. revoked the Alpha Omega charter in January 1967. Sigma Chi received many more letters and edicts from Beta Mu chapter at Colorado closed in 1971, after'a officials on other campuses. Three weeks before the 1965 decline in membership caused at least partly by of the long­ Grand Chapter in Denver, shock waves from Stanford running racial controversy.

Wil1ter 1991 • THE MAG AZ INE O F SIG MA CHI 7 Gamma Epsilon chapter at Whitman College, ••• which had been pushing for local autonomy, surren­ Upon his election, Grand Consul Brewer, dered its charter in December 1967 after learning that a from Eta chapter at the University of Mis­ pledge of Asian descent was denied approval. sissippi, stated that he "absolutely was not going to preside at the dissolu- ••• tion of the Fraternity" He The membership controversy also contributed to the was determined to see temporary loss of Alpha Beta chapter at the University of changes made to save California-Berkeley. Grand Consul Floyd R. Baker and Sigma Chi. his wife visited Alpha Beta chapter late in 1967. The campus Decisions opening the had become a hotbed of student activism, and the Sigma Chi doors to a solution blowup at nearby Stanford was a big campus topic. Some were finally made at chapter members spoke aggressively about the issue and an Executive Commit­ behaved rudely toward the Bakers. Shortly thereafter, the tee meeting on Jan. 2, Executive Committee agreed with Baker that Berkeley was 1970. The solution was not a suitable location for a Sig chapter and removed the surprisingly simple: charter in January 1968. Grand Pro Consul John Graham pointed out that ••• since the laws did not require providing Grand The controversy was again hotly debated at the 1969 Council members with any information about pro­ Grand Chapter. A vote to eliminate alumni approval from posed members, the Fraternity could simply stop pro­ the selection process and another to lower the 90 percent viding race, religion, national origin or any other details approval necessary for change received majority votes, but about pledges. Without that information, no one would less than the required 90 percent. Delegates adopted a reso­ be able to disapprove any pledge for those reasons. Execu­ lution that no information concerning the race of any candi­ tive Committee members still had to state their approval of date should be requested or supplied. The action, however, each prospect, but they agreed to disapprove only if a candi­ was not widely viewed as a mandate. date did not meet the criteria of the Fraternity's Jordan Stan­ dard, which contains no requirements regarding race, religion ••• or national origin. Grand Consul Brewer embraced the proposal Davidson College administrators required local autonomy enthusiastically and all members of the Committee agreed. in fraternity membership selection and adopted a process As word of the decision circulated, a few opponents threat­ whereby any student wishing to join a fraternity who was not ened impeachments. But the tide had turned decisively in selected in rush would be assigned to one at random. The Delta favor of change. The fact that change had beenaccomplished Lambda chapter also pledged an African-American student under the direction of Brewer, a devoted "son of the South" who was unlikely to gain approval. In October 1969, the chapter further disarmed the opposition. voted to surrender its charter, and has never sought its return. Meanwhile, campus pressure on Greek chapters, though ••• still visible, was abating. Many university leaders' attention On February 8, 1970, the first African-American Sigma was diverted to increasingly violent student unrest, propelled Chi brother, Michael A. Sims, Rochester '73, was initiated at by reports from the Vietnam conflict. Confronted with stu­ Gamma Pi chapter. dents camping in dean's offices and torching campus build­ Sims' class had pledged during the fall of 1969, and had ings, many universities were forced to diminish efforts to become the subject of a blanket blackball by a Grand Coun­ change the membership practices of fraternities. cil member. That disapproval was lifted before the initiation By that time, it seemed that every other major fraternity at the urging of then-Grand Praetor Donald Clapp, who had changed restrictive rules or had adopted "waivers" for supported the chapter's actions. Gamma Pi chapter, certain endangered chapters. Most allowed their chapters to unaware of the changes that validated their action, believed initiate African-American and other minority students. Sims' initiation would be disapproved and that they were Sigma Chi was the only holdout. likely to lose the charter. They chose to proceed. ••• ••• 1971 Grand Chapter delegates voted to remove restrictive Within Sigma Chi, blackballs from both sides were spin- provisions from the Governing Laws. Voted out were the ning out of control. Some Grand Council members denied role of Executive Committee and Grand Council members in approval to entire classes if chapters furnished no informa­ approving members, the provision that any candidate must tion on race. Officers from those provinces then" dropped be personally acceptable to anyone, and the necessity of 90 the ball" on pledge classes from the opposition's chapters. A percent approval to change such provisions. few members "blanket blackballed" everyone. Grand Con­ The distressing and divisive 12-year ordeal was over. The sul Norman C. Brewer Jr. issued a ruling prohibiting blanket joy and relief at the 1971 Grand Chapter was immense. blackballs, but some persisted. The chaos convinced many brothers-even some who still ••• opposed initiating non-white students-that real changes had On the next page, three African-American alumni, the legacy of to be made to keep the Fraternity from utter turmoil. Others the membership selection battle, share their experiences with multi­ were prepared to face turmoil rather than change. racial acceptance and ,sensitivity in Sigma Chi:

8 TH E M AGAZ I NE OF SIGM A CHI. Winter 1991 I Page, Case Western Reserve '83, says he was first "I have been well received at the initiations at other attracted to the Fraternity because "most of my province chapters and at local alumni gatherings," says Neal, A friends were considering or were going Sigma Chi." a member of the Epsilon chapter house corporation board and He and another African-American student pledged and a trial attorney in the narcotic and dangerous drug division of were initiated together. "We knew that the decision to the US. Department of Justice. "I felt privileged to run for the pledge the two of us was a big one and they had a long office of Grand Praetor at the last Grand Chapter. I was well meeting about it. The chapter was small in numbers, but 16 received while going through that, although I didn't win. I of us pledged. The chapter knew the white rushees would have developed great friendships all across the US." he says. not have pledged if they turned us down." "We need to stress the value of learning from one another, as Page was criticized for joining a predominantly white I learned from my white brothers," Neal says. "There is value in group. He received threatening mail and phone calls while living together in close quarters, which works to overcome pledging and when he later moved into the house. The stereotypes. We need to seek out and recruit black students and callers told him the White Cross stood for the Ku Klux Klan others on their turf, to seek their fellowship. My chapter is try­ and threatened "We'll get you-we know where you live." ing to do that, and is conducting a service project with young They sent press clippings about accusations of earlier racial black kids. We have to say to blacks, 'you are welcome to come discrimination at other Sigma Chi chapters. He says he first to us.' By doing nothing, no one ever will come to us. thought these acts were a joke, then became scared, but "I "The General Fraternity has to take the lead-we are a always thought I would join Sigma Chi." diverse organization. The Fraternity needs to say that we Page became pledge class president and Consul. He attended encourage recruitment of all students including Asians, His­ several Leadership Workshops and Grand Chapters as an active panics and African-Americans. It all starts with the Assis­ delegate and alumnus faculty member. His recent appointment tant Executive Secretaries, with what is said at Workshop. to the Leadership Training Board makes him the first African­ And we certainly need to get rid of the burning crosses and American Grand Council member in Sigma Chi history. other offensive images" (such as the black lawn jockey he Although he says he felt accepted and comfortable when he joined Sigma Chi, Page still encountered some racism. Soon encountered at one chapter house). after his initiation, he recalls, a visiting Grand Officer privately "The actives look for role models, and chapters need help told the Chapter Advisor, "Don't take too many of them." on what to say, including the fact that you don't really need Page, the Associate Director of Leadership and Student to talk differently to black students. W.e have to get together Organizations at Syracuse University, says "the Fraternity can at province meetings and every occasion to share our experi­ help chapters understand that we are not just a "WASP" frater­ ences and overcome the stereotypes. nity. We need to make the brothers more sensitive to others, "Sigma Chi will die if we are perceived as a lily-white including women, and show that we truly believe the ideals organization," he says. we have sworn to. That includes alumni. It's easy to convince the undergraduates, but not some of the alumni. I keep hearing ••• that some chapters are afraid to pledge a black student because harles Wilcots, California-Irvine '82, says that when some alum has threatened to withhold donations if they do. he was initiated, "there were fewer than 500 black More training and sensitivity are needed on the alumni level. C students out of 10,000 at UCI, and very few in the "I'm not sure if we should actively recruit minorities or Greek system. I did not rush until late in my sophomore year, not, but we do need to make them feel comfortable and wel­ but knew several Sigs. A majority of the campus leaders come among us. We don't have to treat them any differently. were Sigs, and I wanted to get involved with them. They Many of them are afraid to go through the rushing process." were a diverse group which seemed to get along well." Page says he is also concerned "that many people seem to Wilcots says that while rushing, some African-Americans assume that a lot of minority students want to join us. Black made negative comments and shoved critical letters under students don't necessarily want that. We must understand his door. "I declined the bid the Sigs offered me, because of that soon the majority of the college population will be that. However, the brothers persisted, and made me feel a minority students," he says. part of their group." Because of the Sigs' determination and persistence, he accepted the bid in the spring. "Those black students who athan Neal, George •••Washington '83, says he was not interested in pledging a fraternity until he attended a knew me supported my Fraternity decision," he noted. summer open house. He became friends with men Wilcots, the Associate Director of Residential Dining at N his alma mater, served as Historian and was involved in pledging Sigma Chi and Sigma Phi Epsilon and enjoyed the fact that the Sigs played Spinners and Motown music. There were several chapter projects as an undergraduate. He has been no African-American fraternities on his campus at the time, and Chapter Advisor at Eta Sigma since 1986, and this summer Neal was the only African-American in his pledge class. served on the faculty of the Leadership Training Workshop. He once considered depledging, "because of all of the work "The arms have all been open," he says. and academic and time pressures involved." However, he says, Wilcots says "communication with one another is a major "I took pledging very seriously, and was later voted outstand­ thing that should happen to develop understanding. My Eta ing pledge." As an active, he had five little brothers, and served Sigma chapter brothers are going beyond cultural barriers, as Kustos, Social Chairman, Rush Chairman, and Magister, and continue to be a diverse chapter, bringing in Asians, which became "my most rewarding job." African-Americans and Hispanics. Chapter members dis­ "As a student, I felt well accepted at the university. I was cuss the issue during chapter meetings, including their own concerned about how I would be accepted at other chap­ cultural differences and individual upbringings. I am ters. I experienced acceptance and resistance at another pleased to see the Fraternity making steps forward in diver­ chapter I visited. sity," he says. "It's exciting to see." •

Winter 1991 • TH E MAGAZIN E OF SIGMA CHI 9 I

"You racist honky," an angry voice screams into the chapter house phone before hanging up. As you stroll to class on a warm, breezy, autumn day, a stranger spits on you. As you walk across campus wearing your Sigma Chi letters, heads turn and otherwise friendly students ignore you. A professor asks you to leave class because your presence is causing a disturbance. Your friends describe you as objective and loyal; your girlfriend describes you as sensitive. Why are strangers calling you sexist, racist and insensitive?

For several brothers, enduring such "imaginings" became part of their real extracurricular education during the past year as they grappled with the aftermath of public relations nightmares. In trial­ by-fire education, chapter members learned that thinking before acting is the best prevention for such reactions, even if intentions are not malicious ...... t the University of New Mexico, the Beta Xi students and faculty criticizing your chapter. chapter held an Italian Wedding theme party in As you and your chaptermates watch Monday Night Football, September 1990 with a sorority. During the a student hurtles a brick through the front windows of the chapter party, a man and woman representing members house. The next night, another student throws a brick through of "feuding mafia families" were united in mar­ another window. riage through a mock wedding ceremony. Dur­ ing the "wedding," a Fraternity brother and t the University of Alabama, the Iota Iota chap­ chapter alumnus read an inappropriate poem that sparked a ter pledge class attended a pledge swap with major campus debate and labelled the Sigma Chis as sexist. the Kappa Delta Sorority pledges on October 3, "We didn't mean any harm," Consul David Peters said. 1991. According to Pro Consul Chris Ridgway, Peters, who will graduate in December 1992, said that '93, the party's theme, "Who Rides the Bus to although the poem may have been insensitive toward Work," was not intended as racially insensitive, women, the chapter did not intend it that way. although media reports about the event claim A few nights after the Italian wedding party, enraged stu­ otherwise. Ridgway said pledges dressed as lawyers, con­ dents held a protest outside the chapter house. According to struction workers and businessmen for the party. He said Peters, alumni and lawyers advised chapter members to one pledge dressed as Steve Martin from the movie The Jerk evacuate the chapter house during the protest. and sported a T-shirt with a sign that read "I was born a '/:.', . . "It was not a good feeling to have to evacuate our home," poor black child," the opening line of the movie. Some were Peters said. offended by the costume, and the incident i,;g·;~:i~ Paul Brown, Quaestor at the time of made campus and Associated Press news. the Italian Wedding skit, said he was Reports of the pledge swap appeared in offended to be called a sexist and experi­ Brothers newspapers across the country, from Cali­ enced frustration over brothers being dis­ fornia to Washington D.C, and several missed from class and spit upon. describe concerned brothers called the General "It is frustrating being labelled wrong­ Fraternity Headquarters about the event. ly. It was especially disheartening to be Stunned by the intense media coverage, called insensitive and sexist after taking their the chapter found itself in a racial contro­ the initiative to apologize for the inci­ versy that spurred an NAACP candlelight dent," he said. harro~ing vigil protesting campus racism. The General Fraternity put the chapter • Ridgway said the chapter has faced on show-cause status a few months after experlencess incredible anti-Sigma Chi attitudes as a the event. result of media coverage of the event. He "We also received hate mail," he said. said many groups, after reading reports of Besides angering several women's groups on campus, the the incident in the campus paper The Crimson White, refused chapter's offensive poem provoked the University to levy to listen to the chapter when members tried to explain the sanctions against the chapter, prohibiting members from par­ event. According to Ridgway, campus journalists inaccu­ ticipating in all rush, social and intramural activities. Daniel rately reported the incident. Holton, '91, Consul at the time of the event, called the sanc­ "Many of us had to deal with irate alumni members," tions "extreme" and told news reporters the chapter would said House Manager Garret Graves. Because of reports appeal its punishment. After settling with the University, about the event and its appearance in newspapers across the Peters said the most significant lesson he and chaptermates country, many alumni called the chapter to express their learned from the event was to think before acting. anger, he said. According to Graves, inaccuracies in the "Now we analyze all party themes to make sure nothing media reports made it harder for him and others to calm the about the theme can be construed as racist, sexist or other- angry alums and explain what had actually occurred. wise offensive," he explained. "Some alumni told us they were going to use their con­ "Unfortunately, sometimes it takes an incident like this to nections at Headquarters to get our charter revoked," make us aware that what we deem harmless may be offen­ Graves said. sive to others," he added. "It was aggravating," he continued. "Our pledges "Since the event, we have instituted educational pro­ meant absolutely no harm, and reports of the situation grams in our chapter dealing with dating, date rape and were out of hand." hate speech between males and females," Brown said. "It was frustrating being labelled racist," Graves said. Brown, like Peters, advises chapters to think before Ridgway and Graves said the chapter invited the Alpha doing anything. Phi Alpha Fraternity chapter, a predominantly black frater­ "Consider other people's views. Respect others," nity, to a dinner / discussion at the Sigma Chi chapter he advised. house. Ridgway said he asked the fraternity members not to disclose news of the dinner to the media because the Sig You grab a campus newspaper on your way to your morning chapter wished to avoid media hoopla about the gathering. class; you are shocked to read about your chapter on the front page "They were the only group willing to talk to us," and stunned to read the editorial page which is full of letters from Graves said. The Alpha Phi Alpha members who attended the discus­ Two days after she reported the incident to police, the sion said they were angry at the chapter for staging what woman recanted her allegations. they believed to be a racist event, Graves explained. He said "This situation has damaged the reputation of Sigma the Sigs tried to dissipate the other men's anger by explain­ Chi, its members and the Greek system as a whole," Consul ing what had actually occurred. Graves said this discussion Toby San Luis said after the woman dropped the charge. lead to an understanding between the two chapters; in fact, Although this case should not be used as an example to the discussion set the stage for a more amiable relationship. doubt any woman's allegations of rape, it tested the chap­ He said the groups gather informally to play basketball or ter's anti-sexual assault policy. Chapter participation in pre­ just "hang out" at each other's chapter houses now. vious sexual assault workshops lent it some credibility "Alpha Phi Alpha is a very good fraternity," Ridgway during the ordeal. According to San Luis, the chapter has praised. "They helped us out a lot in this situation." gained heightened awareness about actions of Greek mem­ According to Ridgway, Alpha Phi Alpha members served bers and gender sensitivity. as a liaison between the Sigma Chi chapter and the Pan Greek "These situations have given our chapter a heightened Council, the black women's sorority council on campus. awareness that Greeks must be more positive in their "They had more legitimacy with the Pan Greek Council actions," he said, citing the Animal House image that than we did," Ridgway explained. plagues the Greek system. "We held the discussion because we wanted to explain San Luis said the chapter has reorganized its social calen­ the situation to the Alpha Phi Alphas," Ridgway said. "We dar and increased its alcohol awareness programming. did not organize the discussion for media "Alcohol plays a major role in sexual recognition." assaults," he said. Besides patching up relations with the Besides attending alcohol awareness Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the chapter Negative meetings, San Luis also said the chapter also met with Pan Greek Council and brought in speakers who addressed the NAACP members. He said some NAACP risks of underage drinking, penalties asso­ members were extremely angry with the publicity ciated with presenting false identification chapter, but eventually the groups and driving under the influence of alco­ reached an understanding as a result of buries hol. He said a sorority attended the last dialogue and active listening. presentation to the chapter. Ridgway said the chapter also pro­ chapters "We are also working with the Syracuse posed a motion to the Interfraternity University Rape Center," he said. Council requiring all Greek groups to pre­ alive The two groups are coordinating rape sent party theme ideas to the Council for seminars structured by the Center. approval. The goal of this regulation, he "Interaction with and respect for the said, is to help other chapters avoid similar situations. opposite sex is important," he said. To build such respect, "Take the opportunity to promote racial awareness according to San Luis, chapter officers must address the sub­ whenever you can," advised Ridgway. ject in chapter meetings, all chapter members must attend Ridgway advised chapters to act responsibly and proac­ seminars and get involved in gender issue programming. tively by getting involved with racial awareness program­ ~~~ ming before a situation requires it. Because of what you believed to be a harmless occurrence at a "Just do something with another group [like the Alpha chapter-sponsored event, several campus groups lobby for the sus­ Phi Alphas]," he said. pension of your chapter's activities. "It does not have to be community service or PR-oriented News of your intention to attend a campus event is enough for just to get attention. Do things with other groups because organizers of the event to cancel it. you want to." Because of the actions of some of your brothers and other ~~~ Greeks, your friends turn on you. You call home to talk to your parents and your mother informs you that she has read about your chapter in the local newspaper. In n April 4, 1991 at the Iota Xi chapter at George fact, she tells you that her friends in Washington D.C. have read Mason University, sorority women dressed a about your chapter, too, and that your grandparents in San Francis­ brother in women's clothing, put a curly black co were sad to read about your chapter's activities in their local news­ wig atop his head, strapped a pillow to his pos­ paper. "We expected more from our son," she tells you, disappointed. terior and painted his face black before sending him on stage during a Derby Days event. The n the past year, members of the Psi Psi chapter incident, which was reported in the April 29, at Syracuse University have been accused of 1991 issue of Newsweek and in newspapers across the coun­ rape twice. Each charge was ultimately try, became the focus of a court battle between the chapter dropped, but the allegations have made the and the university and put the brothers through a harrow­ chapter more sensitive to gender issues. ing ordeal. In February 1991, a woman claimed a Some minority groups signed a petition calling for the chap­ brother raped her, according to a police report. ter's suspension from campus activities, and dean of students . 64) • l" ,", .... ;;;;.::i~~j;;

ound hanging by his neck from United Klans of America members a tree, Michael Donald was not had previously killed four children by F the first black man to die in a Morris bombing the Sixteenth Street Baptist racially-motivated attack. Church in Birmingham in 1963, beaten But Donald's gruesome murder did Freedom Riders (civil rights advocates not go unnoticed. It came to the atten­ testing the Supreme Court's decision tion of Morris Dees, a civil rights Dees desegregating bus terminals) in Birm­ lawyer and social justice advocate who ingham and Montgomery in 1961 and heads the Southern Poverty Law Cen­ murdered civil rights worker Viola ter in Montgomery, Ala. With the Cen­ L uizzo as she drove marchers from ter's resources behind him, Dees dove and the Selma to Montgomery in 1965. into the case. A long-time opponent of Dees argued that the Klan should be hate groups, he used the Donald case liable for the Donald murder in the to attack the Ku Klux Klan. same way corporations can be liable for The murder was committed by two Southern their agents' actions. After criminal judgments were rendered against the young Klan members, one of whom killers, Dees filed a civil suit against testified they killed Donald "simply them, additional Klan members and the because he was black." . . ' . " United Klans of America organization. Three nights before the murder, the Poverty >.;~~'<~;'~:::::~'~ , At trial he demonstrated the Klan's two had attended a meeting of the Unit­ historical pattern of violence and ed Klans of America (UKA), Unit 900. showed culpability up the Klan chain A highly-publicized trial in the area Law Center of command-from local officers to had just concluded with judgment national ones. He said the murder rep­ against a white person. When a clip­ resented a conspiracy to carry out the ping about the trial was read at the white supremacist goals of the UKA. meeting, ugly, resentful sentiments fight An all-white jury in Mobile, Ala" were unleashed. agreed with him, awarding a $7 million "A nigger ought to be hung by the • judgment. The judgment broke the neck until dead to put them in their back of the United Klans of America; place," said one Klan member. "We racism the deed to its headquarters was turned gonna kill [one]," said another, Anoth­ over to the Southern Poverty Law Cen­ er Klansman spewed that blacks are so ter and proceeds from its sale were stupid all of them should be killed, given to Michael Donald's mother. The members of Unit 900 who every day. "No amount of money is going to abducted, beat and murdered Michael bring back Michael or make my heart Donald a few days after the hate-filled ache any less," she told Dees. But from meeting wanted "to show the strength By Walter Hutchens the beginning she'd said her purpose of the Klan ... to show that they were in the la wsuit would be to "let the still here ... " world know." 14 TH E M AGAZ INE O F SIGMA CHI. Wint er 1991 And the world has taken notice. Still in contact with many friends leaving in September and was really Since shutting down the UKA, Dees from the chapter, Dees said he some­ homesick. So were a lot of other stu­ and the Center have gained wide times works on lawsuits with Alex dents, and their moms, I suspected, national recognition. Newton, Alabama '52. longed to make them feel good on spe­ An autobiography, A Season for Jus­ "1 have been to the new [Sigma Chi cial occasions. Why couldn't I write tice: The Life and Times of Civil Rights house at Alabama] many times," Dees each student's parents and offer to Lawyer Morris Dees, was published in said. "When they have open house for deliver a freshly baked birthday cake?" 1991. NBC's two-hour movie Line of alumni-football games up there, Dees started Bama Birthday Cake Fire: The Morris Dees Story ran earlier in homecoming-I always go." Service the following school year. the year. And many contributors have A successful entrepreneur while in "The response was terrific. Over 20 been enlisted to keep the Center's college, Dees often visited other Sigma percent of the parents ordered our work going. Chi chapters. cakes ... I sold 350 cakes a month and netted three dollars for each." TTT But Dees says "the real bonanza Dees' work hasn't attracted just posi­ was the education I got in direct mail." tive attention, though. He has been on Direct mail campaigns launched the hit list of The Order, the hard-core and now help sustain the Center. hate group that murdered progressive Dees has also lent his fund-raising Denver talk show host Alan Berg. In expertise to three U.S. presidential 1983 the Center's offices were set ablaze campaigns. In 1972 Dees was finance by an arsonist. In 1985 police in Fayet­ director for George McGovern. The teville, Ark. arrested White Patriot Party senator from South Dakota was defeat­ conspirators plotting to assassinate him. ed, but the campaign set precedents in Forced by all this to maintain political fund-raising. More than $24 intense personal security, Dees' office million was raised, and the campaign at the Center is reinforced to withstand finished with a surplus. After that elec­ a bombing attack. tion, Congress passed laws capping Yet when The Magazine recently individual gifts at $1,000. Dees was caught up with him there, he was finance director for Jimmy Carter in relaxed and affable. 1976 and held the same position for "I'm proud of my association with Massachusetts Senator Edward Sigma Chi," he said, "I consider it an Kennedy in 1980. He was disappointed honor." by the feeble popular support for Dees pledged Sigma Chi at the Uni­ Morris Dees. Kennedy's candidacy and doesn't plan versity of Alabama in 1955. to take an active role in the upcoming "I was going to be a Sigma Chi "During college I was traveling a lot, presidential election. almost from the day I was born," he selling ads on student directories, and I TTT said. "Quite frankly, it was the only fra­ always stayed in the Sigma Chi houses." But he didn't stumble into presiden­ ternity I had ever heard much about." "Desk blotters," he explained. "I did tial campaigns and headlines overnight. A friend of Dees' father, Montgomery them in about eight or nine colleges in Since business had gone so well, he attorney Charles Pinkston, Alabama '31, the South. I went to Chattanooga; the thought twice about leaving it when he recommended Morris to the Iota Iota University of Tennessee; the University graduated from law school in 1960. chapter. C.B. Carlton, '57, a two-time of Mississippi. It was one of the things I Striking a compromise, he decided .. ~ . Consul of the chapter, rushed Dees. ~ ',. did to make money in college." "I got involved the day I got up to keep a hand in business and work at Make money he did. Besides a war­ there," Dees said. "Carlton came over law. He moved to Montgomery, the rior-like dedication to social justice, to my apartment and said 'we want state's capital, and set up a law prac­ Dees has a Midas touch. you to join Sigma Chi.' " tice with his college business partner. The Center, founded in 1971, has Although already married and a "While I was worried about collec­ father while in college, Dees main­ built a generous endowment. Annual tion matters and getting our practice tained some involvement with the contributions run into the millions. The off the ground," Dees recounts in his chapter even through law school. business acumen Dees showed in col­ autobiography, "the civil rights move­ "I didn't drink in those days, but I lege seeded the financial independence ment was taking flight." would always get me a derby, get on that has helped make his other cru­ At the time he didn't suspect the the [Homecoming] float and ride with sades possible. cause of civil rights would drastically everybody," he said. "I did that right Just nine years after finishing law alter his life. He was drawn into the on through law school." school, Dees sold a publishing compa­ movement unexpectedly. As an undergraduate, Dees "ate ny he started in college to Times-Mir­ An old white neighbor was ac­ over [at the house] every Sunday." ror for $6 million. cused of assault during an episode of "Sometimes I ate breakfast there. I That windfall's origin was hardly violence against Freedom Riders. lived in the married student apart­ spectacular, though: During college, Dees agreed to help the man. Walking ments, so I would park in the parking "Momma sent me a fruitcake for my out of court after defending him, Dees lot behind the house, eat breakfast and birthday," Dees recounts in A Sea son was approached and challenged by a go on to school." for Ju stice . "I hadn't returned since black man.

Winter 1991 • TH E M A G AZ IN E OF SIG M A CHI 15 "But looking in the face of Besides education and lit­ my accuser, I felt the anger of igation, the Center runs a black person for the first Klanwatch, a project begun time .... I vowed then and in 1980 to monitor hate there nobody would ever groups. Serving as an intelli­ doubt [my committment to gence-gathering service for equality] again." It would be hard to doubt law enforcement officials, it now. Besides the Donald Klanwatch tracks racial vio­ case, Dees and the Center lence and hate group activi­ have taken on hate groups ties across the United States, other than the Klan, shutting cataloging the information in down white supremacist a large electronic database. paramilitary camps and win­ So, Dees has left far behind ning a $12.5 million judge­ for-profit ventures and any­ ment against Tom Metzger thing even resembling an and the White Aryan Resis­ ordinary Southern law prac­ <)-.~·.~··-·:.t ,:' tance organization he heads. , " ...... The Metzger judgment came tice. Intolerance and racial ~:p;~.::!:::;./:;<~ after the beating death of an violence, however, neither Ethiopian man in Portland, began nor ended with the Ore. Other Center lawsuits UKA, so Dees feels he must have helped marginalized fight on. persons gain economic and "Until justice rolls down political rights. like waters" is the motto "But the big emphasis of chiseled into the stone mon­ the Center now is on educa­ ument in front of the Cen­ Dees holds Henok Seraw, son of an Ethiopian man murdered tion, not litigation," Dees by skinheads in Portland, Ore. A civil suit against the skin­ explained. ter's offices. Designed by heads, the White Aryan Resistance organization and its leader "Most of our effort is Maya Lin-the same sculp­ Tom Metzger resulted in an award of$12.5 million in damages. now concentrated on teach­ tor who designed the Viet ing and helping teachers." Nam Veterans 'Wall' memo­ "How can you represent outspoken voice for progress The Center has launched rial in Washington, D.C-the people like that?" the man in his church. But growing up a magazine called Teaching monument honors those .j asked Dees. "Don't you think in rural Alabama and attend­ Tolerance to give teachers a black people have rights?" ing the University of Alabama killed in the civil rights vehicle for sharing ideas on movement. As long as Dees The confrontation forced while it was all-white, he'd teaching diversity. The mag­ manages not to become one Dees to examine his personal not really questioned his azine is part of a kit that of them, he plans to fight on, stance. The civil rights move­ belief in segregation. includes a lesson-length ment had been unfolding "I thought I believed in movie on the civil rights embodying in his daily life a around him. He'd written the system because every­ movement and a booklet Sigma Chi's struggle to some sympathetic letters to one believed in it," he recalls about the the movement's achieve friendship, justice newspapers, and he'd been an in the book. history. and learning. •

16 Sigs in the I Global Village'

ully told, their story would Phillip V. Sanchez, Calif. State-Fres­ tance, he is a dues-paying member of sprawl for pages. no '53, is representative of them. A for­ the Houston Alumni Chapter and mer U.S. Ambassador to Honduras and receives the chapter's newsletter. They are the Sigma Chis caught Colombia, Sanchez is now publisher of • Ron Pilon, Bradley '52, recently F up in the economic and humani­ Noticias del Mundo, a chain of Spanish­ spoke to the Peoria Alumni Chapter tarian integration of the world. These language daily newspapers in the U.s. about his experiences working as sales brothers understand what it means to Director of the Office of Economic representative for Caterpillar, Inc. in call the world a "global village." Opportunity under Richard Nixon, what was then the Soviet Union. Pilon US POSTAL FORM: Sanchez is a Significant Sig, former is now a manager of special projects in Statement of Ownership, Management Consul, Chapter Advisor and Grand marketing support services for Cat. & Circulation Praetor. • Dr. James F. Kleckner, Lehigh '45, 1. Title of publication: The Magazine of Sigma Chi. Publi­ Another Sig diplomat, Edward W. practiced ophthalmology in Saudi Ara­ cation No.: 325500. 2. Date of filing: October 1, 1991 "Skip" Gnehm, George Washington '65, bia from 1987-88. Last summer he 3. Frequency of issue: Quarterly. is the U.s. Ambassador to Kuwait. Ap­ spoke to the Los Angeles Alumni 3A. No. of issues published annually: 4. 3B. Annual Subscription price: $40.00. pointed by President Bush just before the Chapter about his experience, praising 4. Location of known office of publication: 1714 Hinman recent Gulf war, Gnehm previously Saudi Arabia's capital city of Riyadh, Ave., Evanston, Illinois 60201. served in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, saying "their labs were larger and 5. Location of the headquarters or genera l business office of the publisher: Same as above. Tunisia, Vietnam and Nepal. more modern than our own." 6. Name and address of publisher, editor and managing Besides high-profile diplomats, • Another ophthalmologist, William editor: Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1714 Hinman Avenue, other Sigs know multiculturalism is Simcoe, Oklahoma State '53, has trav­ Evanston, Illinois 60201; Walter Hutchens, Editor. 7. Owner (if owned by a corpora tion, its name and more than a philosophical abstraction. eled around the world teaching eye address must be stated and also immediately thereunder Jeff MacCorkle, Cornell '88, works in surgery. the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock): the Peoples Republic of China for Fuqua • Barent Springsted Jr., Westmin­ The Sigma Chi Fraternity, a private, nonprofit member­ World Trade Corporation in Beijing. ster '65, works in Bangkok, Thailand ship association incorporated under the State of Illinois, "It's been a terrific job for me as I love for the Phoenix Pulp and Paper Com­ with offices at 1714 Hinman Ave., Evanston, Illinois. 8. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other securities: None. to travel," MacCorkle told The Magazine. pany. He served two years with the 9. The purpose, function and non-profit status of this orga­ "There is a pretty respectable net­ Peace Corps in Thailand after college. nization and the exempt status for Federal income tax pur­ work of Sigs from Cornell in the Far poses: Has not changed during preceding 12 months. • Gregg Purnell, Baylor '79, has East. Several in Hong Kong, a few in been in Papua New Guinea translating 10. Extent and Average no. Actual no. nature of ci rcula- copies each copies of sin­ Japan and me in China. We have gotten the Bible. tion: issue during gle issue together a couple of times in Hong Kong • Past Grand Praetor Robert Ker­ preceding 12 nearest to fil­ months: ing date: and traveled throughout South East shaw, Butler & Michigan State '41, Asia on one occasion," MacCorkle said. recently served as a volunteer for Inter­ A. Total no. of 50,645 51,510 copies (net press Another Sig in Asia is Jay Branegan, national Executive Service Crops, help­ run) Cornell '72, Hong Kong correspondent ing a Dokki, Egypt fast food restaurant for Time magazine. improve its operations. It was his third B. Paid and/ or requested circula­ Many other Sigs have worked or are project for the organization. tion: working outside North America: • Gerald H . Kangas, Willamette 1. Sales through • John E. Justice, West Virginia '69 '56, is General manager and CEO of dealers and car­ is chief of intelligence collection man­ United Saudi Commercial Bank. He riers, street vendors and agement at NATO Headquarters for lives in Riyadh. counter sales: the Allied Force, Northern Europe. He These brothers are a mere sample 2. Mail sub­ 48,656 48,408 lives in HosIe, Norway. of the total number of Sigs with inter­ scriptions • Kim Tijerina, Texas A&M '80, national occupations. The abundance C. Total paid 48,656 48,408 resides in Abu Dhabi, United Arab of such brothers suggests it is indeed a and/or requested Emirates. He is employed by Comple­ shrinking world and that Sigs who pre­ circulation: tion Tool Company. Despite the dis- pare themselves for it are wise. •

D. Free distribu­ 1,250 2,310 tion by mail, carri­ er or other means Samples, compli­ New Position Available at Headquarters mentary, and other free copies To enhance alumni services, a new Fraternity staff position has been creat­ E. Total distribu­ 49,906 50,718 ed. The pos!tion involves support of alumni and alumni chapters, devel­ tion: opmentof riew programs and fund-raising. F. Copies not dis­ tributed The ideal ca,ndidate will.have substantial post-college work experience, 1. Office use, 739 792 left over, unac­ bE; ready fO~lextensive travel and have superb oral and written communi­ counted, spoiled after cation sk:Uls ~Experience as a volunteer .in the Fraternity is desirable; mem­ printing: bership in Sigma Chi is required. The position is based in Evanston, 2. Return from m. news agents: Direct inquiries and recommendations to: Mark Anderson, President, G. Total: 50,645 51,510 Sigma Chi Corporation; Sigma Chi Fraternity; 1714 Hinman Ave.; 11. I certifij that the statements made by me above are correct Evanston, n 60201. • and complete. Walter Hutchens, Editor

Winter 1991 • THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 17 BEHIND THE

By Shelley Benson Sig Students, University Administrators Examine The Phenomenon

-or political correctness-can be described as a sensitivity toward the rights and cultures of all people. Or, it can be described as a controversy, dividing the campus community and challenging the interpretation of First Amendment rights. What political correctness is depends on who you talk to, and perhaps on where your sympathies lie.

Some view the PC movement, which has surfaced pri­ ing public scrutiny, as well as the federal legal system. marily in the United States, as a non-issue, created by the • A Brown University student was expelled for shouting media and having no effect on today's colleges and univer­ racial and anti-Semitic epithets and obscenities in a dormi­ sities. Others view it as a "new McCarthyism," rather than a tory courtyard. basic ethical awareness. • A federal district judge found a hate-speech code at the Just as the definition of political correctness is ambigu­ University of Wisconsin unconstitutional. ous, so is its evolving vocabulary. Terms such as Each case illustrates the tension between the desire to "African-American" and "person of color" have replaced create an inclusive and comfortable community and the black, and the term "physically-challenged" is now often need to preserve First Amendment rights. used instead of handicapped. Although these new terms Oscar E. Remick, Alma '54, President of Westminster were created to dissolve prejudice and negative stereo­ College in New Wilmington, Penn. believes universities types, an active understanding and respect for non-domi­ must create an atmosphere of expected civility. nant cultures and people is a more vital component of "The university must, by declaration and example, honor being politically correct. the human dignity on which the educational enterprise is PC advocates believe recognizing and understanding dif­ based," he said. "As universities determine who will be ferent cultures is essential to functioning in a multicultural admitted to their programs, they must also set the parameters society. This includes respecting the rights and beliefs of dif­ for the kinds of behavior expected and those proscribed." ferent races, cultures, genders and religions, and also "I find abhorrent the shouting of racial epithets, or any includes persons with different abilities, appearances and other kind of dehumanizing names, at anyone," he continued. sexual orientations. "In the case mentioned, Brown could expel the stu­ Opponents of political correctness are not necessarily dent, assuming due process was carefully honored, and opposed to marginalized persons or groups, but they view assuming that in all appropriate publications the stan­ PC as a way of dividing, rather than uniting, society. They dards of behavior were clearly spelled out and the conse­ believe that by accentuating differences or imposing specific quences of violation indicated." beliefs, we jeopardize the chances for a truly equal and inte­ Remick also believes the court was correct in overturning grated society. the University of Wisconsin hate-speech code simply Anti-PC' ers often view political correctness as a threat to because of the way the policy was formulated. The term hate freedom of speech and expression. They believe PC advo­ speech implies a direct restriction of speech, as opposed to a cates are acting as "thought police," dictating what people code prohibiting actions. should think and express. In turn, they fear the PC phe­ Vartan Gregorian, President of Brown University, voiced nomenon will become a "New McCarthyism," singling out a similar speech-versus-action explanation in the May issue individuals with different opinions as the United States gov­ of the university's alumni magazine. He said, "The Univer­ ernment did to accused Communist sympathizers in the sity's code of conduct does not prohibit speech; it prohibits middle part of this century. actions, including behavior that 'shows flagrant disrespect for the well-being of others or is unreasonably disruptive of the I1midst the attempts to debate and define PC, the phe­ University community.' " nomenon has directly affected several students and campus "There is extreme pressure between the First Amend­ organizations. These individuals have found themselves fac- ment and sensitivity," said Charles V. Goodman, East Texas

18 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI. Winter 1991 State '85, Greek Advisor at the Univer­ means that are in conflict with the law sity of South Florida in Tampa. "Our of the land." university has decided that despite our Grand Consul Joel Cunningham, push toward sensitivity, we cannot while supporting the protection of crush students' freedom of expression. "Our Fraternity freedom of expression, believes that "The only thing we can be responsi­ inappropriate behavior can not be tol­ ble for is attempting to educate our erated. "Our Fraternity expects much students about sensitivity and the con­ expects much more from its members than the law sequences of 'inappropriate' behavior requires," he said. and expressions." By the year 2008, the largest per­ more D hrough these and related inci­ centage of college students will no dents, some question what role Greeks longer be white, middle-class subur­ will assume as the PC saga continues. banites. In preparation for this influx from its members Will Greeks implement an occasion­ of future non-white students, colleges al chapter program on diversity, or will and universities are trying to improve than the law they truly work to build a diverse the learning environment. This membership? includes updating codes of student Will they merely rely on the First conduct to address harassment and requires." Amendment to justify their actions, or discriminatory acts. will they actively work to educate the Arizona State University has revised campus and community? its conduct code to define harassment "We have spent much time redirect­ as actions that "interfere with another's ing our fraternity on issues of hazing, educational opportunities, peaceful alcohol and risk management," Good­ enjoyment of residence, physical secu­ man believes. "We must now encour­ rity or terms or conditions of employ­ age them to explore the greater issues ment." It also states that the of society." "Harassment is discriminatory if taken Mason University and the University "It is imperative that fraternities with the purpose or effect of differenti­ of Alabama were embroiled in inci­ and sororities stop seeing themselves ating on the basis of another person's dents some labeled as PC-related. In as a reflection of society's ills, but as race, sex, color, national origin, reli­ each case, the chapters received public part of the situation," he explained. gion, age, sexual orientation, handicap criticism and university discipline as a "One philosophy leads to passive or Vietnam-era veteran status." result of actions that were viewed as acceptance, the other leads to change." insensitive. These instances, and other While citizens have the right to free­ dom of expression, nothing dictates a gain, many university officials and PR nightmares some chapters experi­ each individual's moral judgements. students disregard the PC phe­ enced, are further discussed on pages Fortunately, the founders of Greek-let­ nomenon. President of the University of 12.c.13. ter organizations advocated virtue in Northern Iowa Constantine 'Deno' Cur­ Both the New Mexico and George even their earliest documents. ris, Kentucky '62, says that the debate Mason cases became legal battles. "The rhetoric of Sigma Chi has over political correctness is one-third Although the New Mexico chapter set­ always conveyed the importance of media hype, one-third a political cre­ tled the issue with the University, federal accepting and bonding with those of ation and one-third substance. courts overturned the university sanc­ 'different talents, temperaments and "It is, for the most ,. part, a tions imposed against the George Mason convictions,' " said Rick Morat, Cen­ non-issue" he said. Sigs. The judge ruled that although the tral Michigan '86, student life coordi­ When asked what PC is, several stu­ incident in question was perceived as nator at California State University at dents either define it as personal com­ racist and insensitive, the students' First San Bernardino. "If the current politi­ pu ter or have no opinion a t all. "I Amendment Rights must be upheld. cal climate challenges us, Sigma Chi recently spoke to a freshman class who "Many brothers quickly realized should continue it's commitment by could not define political correctness," that what was intended as innocent instilling the values of tolerance and recalled Goodman. "Either we have and amusing could be hurtful to other acceptance toward those who are dif­ done a poor job educating, or our stu­ students," said George Mason Chapter ferent. To do otherwise is to leave our dents have no interest in the issue." Editor Jason Buckel, '94. He said the members unprepared for personal and Whether it is a media invention, a chapter learned the importance of cul­ professional life." future look at the campus community tural understanding and is determined Remick believes it is the responsibil­ or just another issue for students to to become a leader in educating the ity of Greek-letter organizations to ignore, the components of political cor­ campus and community. make higher education a true learning rectness, specifically the anti-harass­ "Incidents similar to that at George environment concerned not only with ment codes, have collided with First Mason University illustrate clearly that the content of the curriculum, but also Amendment rights. Its wake has left the ivory tower cannot be impervious the character of the community and its further uncertainty and controversy, to the arms of constitutional law, " constituents. even within Sigma Chi chapters. Remick said. "No matter how noble, "Sigma Chis have an opportunity During the past two years, Sigs at how right certain values and standards now for moral leadership," he said. the University of New Mexico, George may be, they cannot be honored by "Let's seize it." •

Winter 1991 • THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 19 Chapter Events Chapter Programs Emphasize Diversity

ecent Sigma Chi chapter programming reflects the "They'll probably win the whole thing next year," said issues facing society today. Racial sensitivity, multi­ Provenzano, who will serve as the Derby Days chairman Rculturalism and "political correctness" have emerged again in 1992. as buzzwords of the '90s, and several Sig chapters have The Sigma Chi chapter at Sam Houston supports diversity structured programs and events to give these topics some both through its membership and chapter programming. much-deserved attention. With a culturally diverse membership, the chapter's Over the last two years, the spirit of COLORS (Campus "most unique case" is Greenwood Horn, who is second in Organized Lectures on Racial Sensitivity) has gained blood line to the chief of the Choctaw tribe, according to momentum. Sig chapters at George Mason University and Chapter Editor Kregg Lunsford, '92. the University of Louisville and elsewhere have successfully "Greenwood is a close pledge brother of mine," said implemented and benefited from the program. Lunsford. "We spend a lot of time talking about his · , Native-American heritage." I COLORS, developed by the Sigma Chi chapter and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Pennsylva­ Greenwood is a descendant of Cornelius McCurtain, '. r, _ :. nia, consists of lectures, discussions and skits designed to chief of the Choctaw during the Trail of Tears in the 1800s. ,.,1 ~.: ''';..':' .• ',...... ,>., ' 1" ?:'_ .. address race-related issues by prompting interaction Cornelius' daughter, Kitty, was also prominent in {;3.?~~:i~;):i~~ between all students. Native-American history. Because of her extensive involve­ Since its inception in 1989, the principles behind the program ment in education once the Choctaws were in Oklahoma, have remained the same. Both groups believed that education is the University of Oklahoma has named one of its campus the key in promoting a more harmonious environment. buildings after her. "Prejudice is often based on incorrect assumptions and When Sam Houston chapter's Sweetheart served as a stereotypes," they agreed. "We believe that many of these chaperone for a group of Japanese exchange students last misunderstandings can be remedied if summer, the chapter invited them to an students are given an opportunity to afternoon of volleyball and fellowship. candidly express their own viewpoints. "Prejudice Both groups discussed their respective The program aims to expose individuals universities, but the event allowed the to different cultures and viewpoints that is often based Japanese students to get a first-hand look they may not otherwise experience at higher education in the United States. through direct contact." on incorrect Lunsford said the students were Sigs at the University of Cincinnati quite interested in our Greek system. Since have scheduled a program similar to assumptions Japanese universities do not have fraterni­ COLORS entitled RAPP, or Racial Aware­ ties and sororities, the exchange students ness Pilot Program. According to Chapter and enjoyed seeing how American students Editor Robert Lawley, RAPP will be pre­ combine both scholastics and extracurricu­ sented at Zeta Psi during winter quarter lar / social activities. to promote racial awareness. The local stereotypes." "It was truly a mutual learning organization educates groups with litera­ .... The Founders of COLORS experience," said Lunsford. "We look ture and different programming ideas. forward to the group returning again Several Sig chapters have co-sponsored next summer." events with traditionally African-American organizations. Multicultural programming does not need to be complex While exchange dinners and group discussions are a few to be effective. Friendships can evolve from activities similar of the most popular activities, Sigs at M.LT. planned an to those mentioned above. A simple gesture and the rapport experience to benefit race relations and the community. established can naturally lead to a more heightened aware­ Together with Alpha Phi Alpha, Sigs helped clean, paint and ness and understanding of many different cultures. renovate a dilapidated house to make a shelter for homeless Other programming ideas are highlighted in the On men. A campus-wide party was held after the project, and Campus section on pages 37-61. • all proceeds were donated to the shelter. "Next year, we'll be out in full force," promised four women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority after participat­ The National Interfraternity Conference, with support from the National ing in Derby Days at the University of Houston. Although Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. and the National Panhellenic Conference has the predominantly African-American sororities were all developed a programming manual titled Diversity Week: Creating Unity invited to attend, the AKAs made sure their participation In The Community. It contains a number of ready-made multicultural pro­ did not go unnoticed. The women placed fourth in the com­ gramming ideas and instructions on how to successfully implement them petition and their candidate was selected "Derby Dolly." on your campus. Please contact your IFC representative, or the National Derby Days Chairman Matt Provenzano, '92, said it was Interfraternity Conference at (317) 872-1112 for more information. difficult to encourage the AKA's participation. "Most orga­ nizations invite African-American organizations to partici­ For more information on COLORS, please contact Saad A. Khairi, COL­ pate in events just as a token effort to make themselves look ORS Chairman, at the Phi Phi chapter-University of Pennsylvania. good. But with some straight-forward persistence, we were able to convince the Alpha Kappa Alphas that our inten­ For more information on the Racial Awareness Pilot Program, con ta ct the tions were sincere." Ze ta Psi chapter at the University of Cincinnati.

Winter 1991 • THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI 21 Chapter Eternal

OHIO STATE Chapters endure p~ NtGHfMA~ES '52 William J. Webb of Worthington, Ohio, on Sept. 23. (continued from pg. 13) OHIO WESLEYAN '24 Eugene K. Taggart of Delaware, Ohio, on Aug. 20. Kenneth Bumgarner prohibited the chapter from participating in most activities '25 J. Paul Mossman of Gallipolis, Ohio, on June 4. on or off campus for two years. '27 Harold W. Blose of Ridgway, Penn., on Sept. 10. A report filed by university administrators said that "Insensitive and offensive OKLAHOMA '26 Lloyd B. Fleming of Tulsa, Okla., on Nov. 21, 1990. acts created or perpetrated by groups or individuals in the name of fun or humor OKLAHOMA STATE are often the cause of strife, anguish, frustration, and extreme personal pain." The '29 George C. Edgerton of Bartlesville, Okla., in March. report called for a "positive, well-informed response and plan of action by Sigma '30 Bob Hancock of Naples, Fla., on July 31. Chi Fraternity, addressing the concerns of the offended." Such a response, OREGON STATE according to the report, should consist of acknowledging responsibility for the · 1 '23 Philip B. Gilbert of Tualatin, Ore., on Aug. 10. PENNSYLVANIA action, a desire to participate in multicultural and gender issues programming, '31 William J. Colbert of Shreveport, La., Nov. and a planned series of responses to offended groups. 1990. John Singsank, Consul at the time of the event, publicly apologized for the PURDUE '35 John P. Garrett of Englewood, Ohio, in June. event. He noted its perceived insensitivity, however unintentional, and said the '51 Robert C. Nordli of North Barrington, Ill., on chapter would initiate race relations programs within the Greek system. May3. ;;, • ":" ~ : 0: '61 William L. Survant of Northridge, Cal., on July 9. "From the bad we must search for the good," he said, "and we feel this is a SAN DIEGO STATE chance to improve the future relations of all the parties involved." '49 Manuel Doria of San Diego, Cal., on Oct. 15. Besides groups lobbying for suspension of the chapter's activities, Consul ;~f.i;;S~;~! '50 Richmond M. Guasti on July 29. '50 Jon Kowal of San Diego, Cal., on Oct. 15. John Howlin said students called chapter members derogatory names, and '53 John Cady of Spring Valley, Cal., on Oct. 15. friends acted cold toward members. Other students made innuendos and other '66 Robert A. Sitcoscy, on July 29. '69 George C. Tomlinson, in April. subtle remarks to chapter members, he said, and an underground campus '71 Steve P. Jordan of San Diego, Cal., on Aug. 2. newsletter labelled the chapter as racist. SOUTH CAROLINA "We felt judged just by wearing our letters," he said. '44 Joseph E. Shaw of Greenville, S.c., on Aug. 29. '62 Edmund C. Owen of Anderson, S.c., on Dec. 22, "We handled the abuse because we felt we deserved it," Howlin explained, 1990. "but at times we felt cut off-people wanted to hold this incident over our heads SOUTHERN METHODIST '53 Steven G. Condso of Dallas, Texas, on April 24. despite any progress we had made." ST. LAWRENCE Besides people refusing to listen, Howlin said on several occasions campus '70 Ronald Laboda of Garden City, N.J., in March. groups have held forums to talk about the incident without inviting the chapter. STANFORD '31 Felix Joujon-Roche of Palos Verdes, Cal., on Once, after he received word of a forum about to occur, he asked to attend. When Jan. 15. he went to the forum, he found it had been cancelled, he said. On further TENNESSEE-KNOXVILLE investigation, an organizer of the event told him it had been cancelled because it '36 Charles W. Black of Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 9. TEXAS A & I had become too big, too many people had been invited. '66 David E. Wilds of Corpus Christi, Texas, on July 1. "I was told that it had become too big, but I was the only addition to the guest TEXAS-AUSTIN '41 Hugh Burns of Dilley, Texas. list," he said. '49 Robert J. Paxton of Midland, Texas, on Aug. 18. According to Howlin, hoopla about the incident has subsided considerably TULANE since April, and groups are now more willing to listen. '44 Malcolm R. Stouse Covington, La ., on March 13. UTAH Currently, the chapter is organizing a COLORS program similar to the one Phi '55 Byron B. Paulsen of Salt Lake City, Utah, on Phi Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania sponsors. Howlin said the Feb. 3. UTAH STATE chapter's program will consist of bringing together all campus groups for racial '30 Moses H. Thatcher of Salt Lake City, Utah, on awareness programming. The program will consist of speakers, discussions and " Sept. 6. skits. "It will make all groups aware that racism can happen anywhere, to most ~~"~i:';;}:;~~ VANDERBILT '44 William T. Hutchinson, III of Nashville, Tenn., anyone," he said. on July 24. Besides bringing in speakers and watching skits, Howlin said the chapter will VIRGINIA sponsor a community service project involving all the groups participating in the '32 Paul Whitehead of Lynchburg, Va., on March 19. '52 Henry C. Schulz of North Hollywood, Cal., on COLORS program. Aug. 1, 1990. He advised other chapters to seek input if an event they want to hold seems WAKE FOREST '52 Daniel W. Fagg Jr. of Batesville, Ark., on Feb. 19. questionable. WASHINGTON STATE "If an event is questionable, ask someone for input," he advised. "Go outside '41 Donald L. Knapp of Docton, Wash., on June 6, the Greek system for advice." 1990. WASHINGTON (ST. LoUIS) '25 Sidney A. Weber of St. Louis, Mo., on Sept. 19. This article is not inte11ded to embarrass the chapters mentioned; rather, it is '40 Thomas M. Hawken Jr. of St. Louis, Mo. (1)1 WISCONSIN illtellded as educational tool to help others. The chapters mentioned went '25 Raymond J. Stipek of Los Angeles, Cal., on through PR 11ightmares without anticipating them. In contemporary campus Sept. 24. climates, offt!llsive behavior call insta11tly ignite fiery reprisals. To avoid PR '44 Leroy H. Jerstad Jr. of Racine, Wisc., on Aug. 31. '46 Willard J. Peterson of Elkhorn, Wisc., on July nightl11are~ , chapters art! e11couraged to carefully review programming ideas 30, 1990. alld to sak guidallce frolll the Ge11eral Fraternity Headquarters , the Grand '47 William G. Lathrop Jr. of Madison, Wisc., on Praetor and Chapter Advisor or other cOl1cemed individuals. Other articles in June 23. • this isslIt! 1I1ay also be helpflli. • 64 THE MAGAZINE OF SIGMA CHI. Willtl'r 1991