By the Wesleyan Greek Council

Members of the Wesleyan community,

The brothers and sisters of the Greek Council would like to address several issues regarding fraternities and sororities here at Wesleyan. We understand that in the past our institutions
have been associated with acts of intolerance, but in recent years the Greek community has been working to distance ourselves from the stereotypes commonly associated with Greek life.

We pride ourselves on the diversity of our members, and our doors are open to the entire Wesleyan community regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Our membership is
mutually self-selective and is based upon men and women who display active interest in joining our respective societies. We do not recruit members based upon any of the stereotypes
unjustly attributed to us. The assumption that fraternities provide havens solely for straight white males is grossly inaccurate and misrepresentative of our principles. Furthermore, this
assumption propagates segregation as opposed to combating it. Our Greek organizations are far more diverse than people realize. They are comprised of students from a wide range of
racial and ethnic backgrounds. This in several cases extends to the very leadership of our societies. Never is any member marginalized, recruited for political purposes, or made to feel
inadequate based on heritage. Our philosophy of tolerance and equality extends beyond the boundaries of our membership to the whole Wesleyan campus and the community at-large.

Many members of Greek societies found the same diversity for which they chose Wesleyan. Our organizations are not limited by a single ideology but rather take pride in the individual
personalities of our sisters and brothers. We stand not only for equality between ethnic groups but between the genders as well. It is illogical to assume that because fraternities do not
admit female members, that they are sexist, misogynistic, or harbor inappropriate attitudes toward women. The Greek Council is composed of both co-educational and single-sex
organizations for women as well as men. Much like Wesleyan’s A Capella singing groups, the Greek community provides opportunities for both sexes to freely associate themselves with
a group that best suits their social preferences. We hold sororities in the same high regard as all of our member institutions. Our societies not only promote equality but also take an
active interest in women’s issues. We do hang banners in support of Take Back the Night and provide hot chocolate, but more than that we participate in the march itself. Sisters and
brothers alike have spoken out at this important rally and were treated with the same respect as every other student who believes in the ideals of the event. Additionally, our members
have facilitated the Sexual Assault Education Program workshops for freshmen and joined groups like Men Against Violence. Our societies have taken part in Queer Awareness
workshops and even hosted National Coming Out Day. 

Our organizations pride themselves on social conscience and service to both Wesleyan and Middletown. We make a valuable contribution to the community. It is inherently gratifying to
utilize the strength of our organizations for the benefit of those less fortunate. The smile of an elderly woman; the gleam in the eye of a child wandering our halls with a bucket full of
Halloween candy; the grandeur of a restored house; the satisfaction on the face of a student who has finally solved a difficult math problem, these are the rewards of our service. To
trivialize them is hurtful not only to us but to those who benefit from our service. Our unity is a tool for the betterment of Wesleyan and Middletown. Those who have worked with us in
these endeavors have witnessed the joy we take in these simple pleasures. Our legacy of service extends far beyond our walls and lasts long after graduation.

Greek societies exist to foster leadership qualities in their members. Personal responsibility and lifelong service are the hallmarks of our philosophy. We lead by example and our actions speak louder than any words. By challenging preconceived notions about our composition and values, we distance ourselves from the stereotypes that pervade fraternities and sororities across the country. In the interest of further extending the lines of communication between ourselves and the community, representatives of the Greek Council’s societies will be available to answer questions at the Cross-Campus Inclusive Discussion, next Thursday at 6:15 in Earth House.
 

The Greek Council is comprised of the following societies: Alpha Delta Phi Beta Theta Pi Chi Psi Delta Kappa Epsilon Kappa Alpha Theta Psi Upsilon