Page 11 - 1913 November - To Dragma

1 6 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA 0MICRON PI

the non-fraternity members of the colleges in which there are frater-
nities, we find direct testimony of the same grouping and the same
heartburning.

However that may be, we want to cure heartburnings not to cause
them. How? I n two ways.

First, instead of limiting the number of fraternities represented
in a college, increase their number. Let there be enough for every
girl who wishes to belong to one to have a broad chance of doing
so. I f there are not enough nationals already in existence to supply
the need, let any group of girls start one. Welcome, invite new
chapters. Let there be no talk about best or worst or any ridiculous
assumption that the newest founded may not be as good or better
than the oldest. I f the fraternities are bad, abolish them. I f they
are good, let there be enough for all. I f no more are founded it will
be natural proof that no more are wanted and any talk of left-outs
and heartburnings will be absurd on its face.

The answer is sometimes made that the difficulties are too great.
That answers itself. A group of girls unwilling to take a chance on
their merits, to try to build up something that they desire, are not
capable members of a large national, permanent thing that requires
and exacts devotion and undiscouraged enthusiasm. They do not
want it enough. But when a new group is formed, let us accept it
instantly in glad cooperative friendship and help all we can.

Second: Let there be no disappointments consequent upon "rush-
ing" and dropping—a cruel and insulting practice. This can be done
by removing all unnatural barriers against natural friendships, by.
having it distinctly understood that any fraternity member may make
friends with whomever she pleases and any non-fraternity member
or freshman may do the same, that in all these friendships nobody
is involved but the parties to them,—that the fraternity is not a
factor. Let it be distinctly understood,—by plain words i f necessary
until the rule is established,—that every girl in college, in a
fraternity or not, is a perfectly free agent and can choose her friends
on a personal and not a communal basis, without the slightest im-
putation that the fraternity is interested. Let there be a Pan-Hellenic
agreement i f necessary that the fraternity question shall not be
mentioned before a set date. Let all entertaining be done for its
own sake and hospitality's sake, too. Let the friends of the fraternity
girls be invited, whether they are rushees, girls in other fraternities
or girls not under consideration for membership. Let the frater-
nity entertaining be done throughout the college year, not in a wild
scramble in one week. Let the fraternities be a component part of
the college social life. Let< the entertaining be something more