In Tuesday’s issue, The Daily Reveille reported a split between the Greek community and the rest of campus for the planning and participation in fall Homecoming celebrations. The Greek community’s decision to plan Homecoming on their own and exclude non-Greek students is not becoming of an inclusive and welcoming University community. Autumn Caldwell, Greek Board of Directors executive director and marketing senior, said the GBOD will plan and coordinate an NPHC Step Show, an all-Greek Lip Synch, lawn decorations and a block party. Only Greeks will be involved in planning these activities. While other Homecoming programs are in the works, it is unclear who will undertake the planning responsibility of each. Assistant Dean for Greek Affairs Angela Guillory told The Daily Reveille the major events moving to Greek-only control were “more popular among Greeks” and therefore needed to be controlled by Greeks to “respond to their specific needs.” “There were some major events that seemed more popular among Greeks – like lawn decorating and lip syncing,” Guillory said. Lawn decorating is practiced by campus organizations and the Residence Hall Association. While more popular among Greeks, the group should share the tradition campus wide. Homecoming 2007 Overall Chair Megan Matherne said she wants to work to “develop a Homecoming that is more inclusive for the University.” It seems unlikely two separate Homecomings will produce an inclusive event. It would be far too easy for Greeks to cater to their own interests and disregard non-Greeks. If the plan is to truly become more inclusive of the campus community, separate events and rules is a step backward. With the move to Greeks planning all-Greek events, the Greek community will have no reason to participate in non-Greek planned events. A large portion of Homecoming participation is Greek. Without Greek participation the non-Greek events will suffer to sustain themselves. Instead of the Greek community taking its ball and going home, it would be nice to see a better cooperation with the rest of campus if Homecoming is to continue as a tradition of excellence at this University. Splitting off and running exclusive events is simply not conducive to being inclusive.
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