By Whitney Spencer

The following is the second and final part of a series focusing on the state of Greek Life at the University of Louisville, specifically the historically black fraternities and sororities.

The University of Louisville promotes diversity and remains one of the most diverse campuses in the state. But the organization that oversees the historically black fraternities and sororities says it finds the university lacking in one key area: how the Greek system is run.

One of the biggest question marks for this group, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or NPHC, is the treatment of its member organizations compared with those of the Interfraternity Council, or IFC, which governs the men’s fraternities, and the National Panhellenic Council, or NPC, which oversees the women’s sororities.

An issue in particular is how the university deals with hazing. U of L has a zero tolerance hazing policy set in place, with violations being handled by the dean of students. NPHC currently has two of its nine member organizations suspended for violating such rules. The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was suspended for 10 years in 2004 and the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity was suspended for seven years in 2003. Phi Beta Sigma is expected to return in 2011. Alpha Phi Alpha isn’t set to return until 2014, but currently there is a plan set in place for a possible early return. According to members of NPHC, the severity of such punishments has been called into question.

“There is no documentation that illustrates any sanctions for behaviors that are found,” said Kellynn Wilson, NPHC adviser. “What is the sanction if we get caught with a brick in our book bag compared to the sanction if someone gets put in the hospital? With that being said, hazing incorporates so many things, from the mildest situations to the harshest. But there is nothing that outlines what the punishment will be.”

With these two member organizations suspended, the NPHC members believe that the only people being adversely affected by the suspensions are those members of NPHC and the minority student body who had hopes of becoming members of these organizations

“I think it’s unfortunate that we don’t have those chapters here right now,” said Tim Moore, director of student activities. “At the same time – what occurred and the sanctions that were imposed when those actions occurred – if we went back on that now, that sort of undermines the credibility of the sanctions that were provided.”

In creating programs and implementing policies, U of L has a list of benchmark institutions by which it compares and contrasts itself. One institution, the University of Cincinnati, has a similar council system.

At the University of Cincinnati, NPC, IFC and NPHC all have member organizations represented on these councils. The difference lies in the way these councils operate. UC councils have one direct adviser who is employed by the university. Each NPHC organization has a chapter adviser, usually an alumni member, who works directly with the university adviser. The most unique aspect of Greek Life at UC is that each separate council holds the power to make decisions on member organizations.

“If we ever hear of, or have, an issue with hazing, we definitely handle it swiftly,” said Russell Best, program coordinator for fraternity and sorority life at UC. “We have a judicial process. All three councils have a judicial board that they can govern amongst themselves and, if need be, it can escalate to the university judicial affairs department.”

Best serves as a liaison between the fraternities and sororities of the IFC, NPC and NPHC. Though he’d like for relations among the entire Greek community to continue to grow, he’s pleased with the efforts of the Greek students on campus in remaining visible and active members.

The major concern of NPHC members at U of L is what they see as a lack of support that is given to them from administrative members of Greek Life.

Joni Burke, the assistant director of student activities and Greek Life, said that U of L provides support for each of the councils on an individual basis, working hard to adapt to what their individual needs are.

“When I’m working with each council and their officers, then I have to turn my brain to a different channel,” said Burke. “Because they each have their own method for how they design their own council and what their purpose is and how they go about accomplishing it…A lot of it is dictated by those organizations on a national basis.”

According to members of NPHC, there has been a recurring theme of absences at their events and meetings by those who they feel consistently support IFC and NPC. Whether it is an e-mail that went with no response or a request that was left unattended to, NPHC feels as though it is always fighting to receive the bare minimum.

Rather than taking their issues straight to the source, members of NPHC fear what effects their complaints or suggestions may have.

“That goes back to them not having any diversity in that office,” said Wilson. “When you look in the office: Who’s there to answer any questions about NPHC? Who’s there for somebody to be comfortable enough to come ask about NPHC? At the end of the day, minority students need to feel comfortable enough to come talk to someone.”

Those in charge say they would love to have students come talk to them about their concerns.

“I am, as all of the staff here is, ready, willing, and desire to have students come in and express what they think they need or what kind of support we provide,” said Moore. “There was a strategic planning task force that was done…this summer. NPHC is now reviewing that document and coming up with action plans…We certainly want to know and hear from students as to what they believe their needs are.”

For some students in NPHC, their main desire is understanding. They want the administrators to have an understanding of their history and goals.

“I feel if they truly understood what each organization was built upon and what they’re for, and also if they understood how each organization has affected the black community at every school up to this point, then they will be able to help us more and appreciate the historically black fraternities and sororities more,” said Janessa Siegel, NPHC president.

Even so, there are those at the university who see the importance of Greek Life at U of L, especially the NPHC.

“For a vibrant African American student life on campus, NPHC is necessary,” said Michael Mardis, dean of students. “That is an important component. Many students who are interested in coming to campus, they may have a historical tie or affiliation with one of the Divine Nine [member organizations of NPHC]. They may be asking about whether they have those opportunities on campus. The things that those organizations can provide for students in our community – those social opportunities and those leadership opportunities are important.”