The LSU Greek community is looking to expand and diversify itself by bringing Latino fraternities and sororities to campus.
Jerrel Wade, assistant director of Greek Affairs, said the Office of Greek Affairs is hoping to start a colony of at least one Historically Latino fraternity and one sorority on campus by Spring 2004.
Dean of Students Kevin Price said he would love to see a Latino Greek organization at the University because it would provide another outlet for the diverse members of the student population.
“There’s a diversity of interests out there and we’re trying our best to support those interests,” Price said.
Although Wade said it is too early to determine which specific chapters they would like to bring to the University, he said this was an important step in diversifying the Greek community.
“We feel it’s important that every culture feels like they are represented through our office,” Wade said.
Although there is a lack of space for additional Greek housing on campus, Wade said he is not anticipating this to affect the interest or membership. He hopes to be able to find housing for these and other Greek organizations eventually.
While the Interfraternity Council only allows two colonies – Greek organizations new to a campus – at a time, this will not affect the Latino organizations because they will be represented by a separate group, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations.
The NALFO Web site says it was established in 1998 to serve as a governing and support group for all of the 24 recognized organizations in the U.S. They currently are supporting 14 sororities and 10 fraternities.
Wade said NALFO boasts one of the most diverse student populations. Its organizations are open to students from any cultures, but primarily target Latinos.
If the Office of Greek Affairs expands to allow new colonies of Latino fraternities or sororities, Wade said it also would welcome people from different backgrounds.
Wade said the Office of Greek Affairs and the Office of the Dean of Students require at least 10 people interested in membership to begin an organization.
After sending out a broadcast e-mail Monday, Wade said he has had several interested students contact him.
The e-mail said Greek Affairs is interested in obtaining student input about the expansion to help it improve and diversify the Greek community.