The Greeks have gone wild. Organizations are always trying to compete against the others. But proving one’s organization is better than the other has definitely gotten out of hand.
Campus benches, walls and plots of fraternities in the “Divine Nine” – all except Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. – were vandalized.
Below are the opinions and statements of the fraternities “Divine Nine”:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Reginald Wesley, president of the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity said he wasn’t surprised.
Wesley said members of his organization and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity spoke. “I don’t think the Kappa’s did it,” Wesley said.
He also said people try to lower the Alpha’s to boost themselves. They plan to repaint their plots by the weekend.
As far as brotherhood is concerned, Wesley said the organizations have lost sight of it, and black Greek-letter organizations were supposed to help more blacks graduate.
He said, at a time when graduation rates were low among blacks, there were groups like fraternities that were vital.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
“We wouldn’t disrespect anybody like that,” Ranaldo Allen said. Allen is the second vice president of the Southern Providence of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
“I feel bad about it,” James Harris said. Harris is the immediate past basileus of the Upsilon Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Harris said there was an emergency Pan-Hellenic Council Meeting Monday night. However, Felecia Barnes, coordinator of Student Affairs, said the council did not meet about the vandalism. Barnes was not at the meeting.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Serge Mondelus, a member of the Alpha Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. said a text message was sent to his members regarding the matter.
“Everybody’s stuff inside of the Divine Nine has been vandalized except the Kappa’s and Omega’s,” said the junior computer science information student from Miami. “I honestly think they were involved.”
Walking along side the Sigma plot, you can notice red spray paint on their bench and up the tree that has old members’ initiation dates, names and numbers.
If members of every organization were more personable with one another, this lack of respect and damaging of property would not occur.
Assuming the Kappa’s vandalized the other organization’s plots, what are the grounds and why would the organization place their own Greek letters and official symbols on them?
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
The Iota’s plot was also vandalized.
“Whoever did it shows lack of courage,” said Gerren Johnson, a member of the organization.
He said he is not sure if the Kappa’s are responsible.
“You can’t point the finger until you have conclusive evidence.”
“We must be doing something right if people plan to destroy what were doing,” Johnson said.
Over the next two weeks, the University’s Pan-Hellenic Council and administrators should get down to uncovering who is responsible for the vandalism. They need to find out the truth really soon before a real war takes place.
Anthony S. Ray Jr. is a senior newspaper journalism student. He can be reached at aj4_21@hotmail.com