Editor,
It is an unfortunate truth that one member can tarnish the image of a whole chapter, but is it also true that chapters all over the nation can tarnish the image of the whole organization?
The history of Sigma Chi has long been marked by irresponsible and racist activities all throughout the United States. Let me remind the reader that the posting of the swastika on a student's car is what led Sigma Chi to be suspended in the first place, and that this is in no way an isolated incident of racial intolerance.
Sigma Chi has also been involved in hospitalizations of pledges, soliciting prostitutes at unregistered parties, hate crimes at Berkeley and other universities and its infamous green card party in September 2003, at which Mexicans were portrayed as "illegals" and other images were used that offended Latinos on that campus.
These are only a few of the incidents I have the time and paper to list.
I agree that a strong Greek community can be vital to a university's atmosphere, but only if it is made up of strong organizations, not fraternities like Sigma Chi, which is notable, but only for its racist behavior and unruly conduct.
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There is no need for an organization with this reputation to be a part of our campus community. Greeks are already seen in a bad light, and allowing Sigma Chi to be a part of our campus would only further the negativity with which we are seen.
If John Binnert's and others' real concern is diversifying and providing another choice for Greek organizations at UNM, perhaps they should research other organizations who would add diversity to our campus. These might include the Black Greeks, and multicultural Greeks, who offer sisterhoods or brotherhoods based on academics and community service while also allowing a social outlet for students.
These are the traditions and values that are held by our organizations and should be encouraged in all of Greek life.
These are values Sigma Chi has notoriously abandoned.
Betsabel Roman
Lambda Theta Alpha
Latin Sorority chapter
orientation adviser
