After extensive discussions yesterday with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. membership and other campus student groups, I want to share with you the actions that I am taking in response to the Greek Life video clip that mocked some of this sorority’s rich historical and cultural traditions.
After extensive discussions yesterday with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. membership and other campus student groups, I want to share with you the actions that I am taking in response to the Greek Life video clip that mocked some of this sorority’s rich historical and cultural traditions.
Effective immediately, the Omega Zeta Pi sorority has been suspended, pending a full investigation into this matter and any related areas of concern. This inquiry will begin promptly, conducted by an independent party.
At the conclusion of the investigation, if the organization or individual members are found responsible for violating university policy, appropriate sanctions will be rendered.
Additionally, we will pursue restorative justice efforts between the members of both sororities, as well as other activities that promote education and understanding among Greek organizations and other campus groups.
We will take a number of practical steps to enhance Greek Life on campus: implementing cultural education and anti-racism training for all incoming Greek Life members, and instituting a Multicultural Greek Council.
Also, we will dedicate additional resources and focus to our existing efforts in the wider community: hiring a more diverse range of faculty and staff, recruiting students of color from underrepresented communities in New Haven and beyond, and providing tutoring and other educational resources with local, underserved schools.
I have charged Vice President Diane Ariza and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to oversee these initiatives and expedite their implementation. I have also met with the International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., explained our action plan and we have agreed to work in concert to achieve the desired outcomes. Along with continued communication with the sorority leadership, we will consult with regional and national leadership of the Divine Nine and the SCSU Alumni Association as we make these important changes.
In closing, I want to thank the members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for reaching out to me, voicing their concerns and offering thoughtful, well-conceived ideas for positive action.
As I stated on Sunday, I have the greatest respect for this sorority’s heritage and traditions. As such, I am deeply concerned about the pain that this incident has caused to their membership and that of other Multicultural Greek Organizations, as well as individuals of color across our campus community.
I hope that the concrete steps taken by my administration will advance the immediate and systemic changes needed to better support and protect students of color on our campus. And that as a result, the trust within our diverse community will be strengthened through a shared, visible and active commitment to the principles of anti-racism and social justice.
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