The University Daily Kansan emphasizes the First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
EDITORIAL: The recent scandal at DePauw University should force us to show more respect and dignity in the University Greek system.
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007 WWW.KANSAN.COM
See Kansan.com for more opinions and Free for All comments
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
PAGE 5A
》 OUR VIEW
Greek system should show respect, grace
Delta Zeta Sorority's purpose, as dictated by its Web site is, "to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort." This sorority's mission statement is suddenly saturated with irony because of the recent scandal at DePauw University. Where 23 of the 35 sisters in the chapter were asked to leave. Hurt feelings soon turned into national news.
Speculation that the 23 Delta Zeta sisters were kicked out of the sorority house because they weren't popular or didn't look like "America's Next Top Model" has been raised by the national news. If these allegations prove true, then this sorority is procuring the stereotypes sororites are prone to; elitist women that value looks and possessions over content of character. Kicking girls out of a sorority house because they're a size eight rather than
a size four or have 100 friends on Facebook rather than 397 is wildly immature and reeks of a major backfire.
This idea of turning Delta Zeta into a "cool" sorority ended up making the remaining sisters, not the rejected ones, embarrassed. Hopefully this incident is an isolated one. Perhaps this can serve as a precautionary tale to other sororities nationwide that stomping on self-esteems and dismissing dignity will get you nowhere but the wrong end of a story on every national media outlet.
The University of Kansas boasts 3,500 Greek members in 40 different houses according to kugreek.org. There's an organization for every type of person that accepts members for who they are, rather than who they supposedly should be. If a school like the University can run a Greek system that serves a large and diverse student body, then smaller schools like DePauw should take note.
- Tasha Riggins for the editorial board.
COMMENTARY
University can't force multiculturalism
Having a diverse student body is something worth boasting about. The University of Kansas' Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Richard Lariviere said on the University's Web site that diversity mattered because it "enriches our ability to solve problems and create new knowledge." If what Lariviere said was true, the University was sure to have trouble solving problems and creating new knowledge.
Students hear constantly about the University's diversity and the strengths that it brings to campus. But where is this diversity, you may ask. And you're right; if you are looking for diversity, the Hill is not the place to find it. But the diversity is nowhere to be found. Of the 26,733 students enrolled in the University for the 2007 school year, 20,977 — nearly 80 percent — call themselves white. The second largest category is non-resident aliens with 1,579. The University's African-American and Hispanic-American students combine to account for less than 2,000 or 7 percent of enrollees. For as much as the University talks about its focus on diversity, it is evident that little action takes place.
If a diverse student body help create new knowledge, one would hope that it would not be closed up in buildings like the Multicultural Resource Center. Opened in 1995 as a reaction to racial tensions on campus, the center's Web site says it was created "to promote multicultural education and understanding." More than 10 years later little racial tension exists on campus. There is equally little racial diversity however
Out of the same 26,000 students, 8,139 come from Johnson County. a suburban county outside Kansas City, Kan. Only 711 students come
The best way to promote multicultural education and understanding is interaction with different cultures. This interaction rarely comes from workshops; this interaction comes from everyday encounters from people who are different from oneself. People who go out of their way to attend workshops usually already appreciate the diversity they show up to learn about.
from Wyandotte, the county home to Kansas City, Kan. The case that the University is a diverse campus is difficult to make with such overrepresented areas.
their way to attend workshops usually already appreciate the diversity they show up to learn about; the people who most need multicultural
The best way to promote multicultural education and understanding is interaction with different cultures. This interaction rarely comes from workshops; this interaction comes from everyday encounters with people who are different from oneself. People who go out of
education and understanding are unlikely to participate in a multi-cultural activity. To truly promote understanding between cultures the University must find a way to bring diversity to campus.
The University can't force minorities or students from different areas to apply, nor is the University systematically denying admission based on race or hometown. But the University does have a role to play as a public education and research institution. It has an obligation to find reasons for gaps in diversity and to try to close them. The University should not stop admitting Johnson County students, but should look into why students from areas like Wyandotte County don't apply. If the problem is a deficiency of K-12 education, Kansas should find ways to help. If money is the problem, the University should make scholarships available so less fortunate students can attend. Diversity makes our university stronger, but boasting about a diversity that is not present makes us weaker and ignorant.
Lux is a Topeka freshman in German.
"There are more artists than Republicans in this town." - SCOTT, Republican
I've heard we
have a great
live music scene.
Didn't Pearl Jam
play here? "
- RICHARD,
Accountant
"We've elevated basketball to an art form.
Go Jayhawks!"
- AMANDA,
Student
William S.
Burroughs lived here And so did The Coet-Up Kids.?"
JANE,
Taunio
' The art galleries in this town are dying like the glowing cinders of my heart.' TOM,
Artist / Waiter
"Hey, at least we're not Manhattan!"
-JIM
Optimist
GUEST COMMENTARY
Does anybody remember what the building was at 23rd and Iowa that got torn down?
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve the right to omit comments. Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded.
It's a little disturbing that the Famous Dave's logo has a pig
Call 864-0500
I never knew Kansas basketball was so good at free throws.
cooking pork.
Disclaimer: For some of you the effects of spring break may have given you an extra edge of confidence for this season's chase. Unfortunately, South Padre does not count as a valid confidence boost: She was under the influence of a heavy Vitamin E overdose and alcohol, not your smooth antics or seemingly charming drunken perspectives on all things trend. However, I applaud your success and can only hope you take the antibiotics as directed.
Follow these easy steps for a fun spring fling
FREE FOR ALL
I just saw a white guy with spinning tires. Is that even legal?
we lose.
All of the Kansas basketball players should get enrolled in the Roy Williams Layups and Dunk camp.
With the spring season and the reemergence of bikini clad beauties it is worthy to highlight the college ritual of the "spring mating call." As the hibernation of winter wears off and hormones unthaw, some guidance may be needed to "get back on the bike." For men this is the pinnacle time of year when fake tans and short skirts never looked so good.
For the rest of the male population that truly finds this season to be frightful and, like previous seasons, unsuccessful, I pity you. That aside I am here to lay down some simple guidelines to aid you in this year's pursuit of the illustrious campus beauty. I'm no "pimp," "player," "dating guru" or "self-proclaimed prophet," so results may vary and I by no means can be held responsible for commonly heard phrases that resem
we lose.
I leave you with these five simple guidelines. Remember they are guidelines, not fundamental truths for marrying a 12 on the Richter scale. Consider these baby steps, you can't run without first learning to walk awkwardly at first. I suggest you also read the "The Little Engine that Could" by Watty Piper for emotional inspiration. Good luck hunting this season gentleman.
With all the money that Sunflower Broadbrand charges for cable, you'd imagine they could stop airing those stupid "go KU" ads after
Guideline three: When out at a local drinking establishment by no means get sucked into the soothing siren sound of "will you buy me a drink?" I cannot emphasize this enough. No, she doesn't like you; it's the Jacksons in your wallet that are appealing. The opposite sex are cunning creatures, but be aware of their bar tactics and you may end up getting home with more than just a severe case of blue balls.
Zachariah Smith Dumfries, Virginia senior
Guideline two: Once you actually make the conscience effort to talk to a female — alcohol consumption is an optional aid — anything other then saying hello and introducing yourself is not allowed. The time for pick-up lines about angels and beautiful eyes has passed. We are evolving creatures; lets not regress.
Guideline four; Comedy sells.
Guideline one: If you find yourself locking eyes with a pretty princess do not by any means look away. Muster up some confidence — you stud — and flash a smile. Women don't need to be reminded of high school and the awkward notion that you are still a boy. Confidence is key, even if you have to pretend.
The Jayhawks really played like a bunch of orcs!
Guideline five: This last guideline highlights why most chases end in a flame of embarrassing glory. Ever seen Swingers? If not, bitch-slap yourself and rent it tonight. Notice the scene when Jon decides to call a potential catch too quick and chats way too long on her answering machine. Smooth move. Beware of the "I'm desperate for you" approach. Keep some dignity and wait a few days to call.
Take heed of the suggestions below and the depressing effects of loneliness should fade.
ble "not in your lifetime," "you wish,
and" "don't ever talk to me again."
calls are recorded.
Everyone loves to laugh. Ever notice the fat kid that some beauties just flock to? While you sit in the corner salivating, chubster is charming the masses with his whit and humorous banter. Take notes. Watch some stand-ups: Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Chris Rock, but not Bill Cosby. Comedy is a great ice-breaker.
with Sauroman's evil magic
box set!
I think the Jayhawks were cursed
I wish the men's basketball team wanted that championship as bad as I want that Lord of the Rings
I wonder if Sasha Kahn is related to Gimli of Gloin?
you come charging through the stop sign.
"I Love New York" is the best television show ever made.
Dear psychos that I nearly hit after moving into my dorm, please remember that reflectors are needed at night, especially when
Kansas basketball is about as hot as Ron Jeremy in a Speedo.
-
What do homeless women do when they have their period?
-
Brandon Rush, please come back next year.
I still love my Hawks.
I think it's crap that I went out to pay urban golf today, and I paid $5,000 for my yearly membership on this grass, and I can't even play
Free for All, you put a bag of pea nuts in my desk, didn't you?
Gabriella Souza. editor
864-4854 or gsouza@kansan.com
》 TALK TO US
We were trying to miss layups! It was a bold strategy by Bill Self, but it just didn't pay off.
Nicole Kelley, managing editor 864-4854 or nkelley@kansan.com
Patrick Ross, managing editor
864-4854 or pross@kansan.com
Courtney Hagen. opinion editor
864-4924 or chagen.kansan.com
Natalie Johnson, associate opinion editor
864-4924 or njohnson@kaman.com
Lindsey Shirack, business manager
864-4014 or lshirack@kansan.com
Jackie Schaffer, sales manager 864-4462 or jschaffer@kansan.com
Malcolm Gibson, general manager, news adviser
864-7667 or mqibsoni.kansan.com
Jennifer Weaver, sales and marketing adviser
864-7666 or jweaver@kansan.com
》 SUBMISSIONS
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni.
The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length, or reject all submissions.
For any questions, call Courtney Hagen or Natalie Johnson at 864-4810 or e-mail opinion@kansan.com.
General questions should be directed to the editor at editor@kansan.com.
LETTER GUIDELINES
Maximum Length: 200 words
Information 2014
**Author:** Invoice's name, (class, hometown (student)
or position (faculty member/staff) and phone number
(will not be published)
SUBMIT LETTERS TO
GUEST COLUMN GUIDELINES
111 Stasser Flight Hall
1435 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 46044
7853 864 4810. opinionman.com
Maximum Length: 500 words
**include:** Author's name, class, hometown (student); position (faculty member/staff); phone number (will not be published)
**also:** The Kansan will not print guest columns that attack a reporter or another columnist.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Gabriella Souza, Nicole Kelley, Patrick Ross, Courtney Hagen, Natalie Johnson, Alison Kleeer, Tasha Riggins and McKay Stangler