Introduction of Black Sororities

Initial steps of chartering a historically black sororities

Once historically white sororities were brought to the University of Richmond, many black students believed that it was the appropriate time to charter historically black sororities. The rich history behind historically black sororities were argued to be a dominant reason for this proposal, but many women of color struggled to find space for themselves in existing historically white sororities. Although the question of chartering black sororities first took place alongside discussions about white sororities, administrators and faculty believed that the existing historically white sororities would “encompass” all women without any forms of segregation.

Article "Black sorority charter sought by students"

After the establishment of historically white sororities, students sought after historically black sororities. Dean of Westhampton College, Patricia Harwood, discouraged these students with claims of segregation.

Article "Black Women Seeking Own UR Sorority"

Students continue to fight for chartering black sororities on campus as they provide opportunities, “and experiences that white sororities haven’t offered.”

Article "Black sororities may join Greek system"

The proposal for chartering black sororities on campus was sent to the faculty and awaits approval. Student groups such as the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) was present at the meeting with the Dean of Westhampton College in support for black sororities.

Article "Black sororities to be reviewed"

Based on the number of students interested, 1-2 black sororities will be chartered at the University of Richmond. The debate about bringing black sororities to campus was first brought to question during the initial fight to bring historically white sororities.

Tensions surrounding bringing black sororities to campus (push back and delays)

As students fought for historically black sororities to come to campus, students around campus responded in various ways. To claims of racism at the University of Richmond, many white students were infuriated and wrote lengthy opinion pieces in response. Minority Student Union (MSU) members expressed concern and frustration at the lack of social progress amongst fellow students on campus. Students call out the biased attitudes of university administrators, faculty, and students that stunted the development of more inclusive organizations, such as chartering black sororities. To add fuel to fire, the University of Richmond delayed the chartering of black sororities on campus under claims that the “organizational process is taking longer than expected.”

Opinion "Student takes exception to Whitney's 'literature'"

A Richmond College student expresses their anger at an opinion piece written by fellow student Harvey Whitney. Tensions surrounding social inclusion at the university is blatant in this opinion piece written by a white student responding to claims of racism on campus.

Article "Commission on diversity views campus racial issues"

Racial diversity is critiqued and discussed in this article as the University of Richmond fails to properly educate it’s students on matters related to race and racism. A Richmond College student expresses concern in the “biased attitudes” that many white students have on campus.

Article "Colonization delayed: The black sororities chosen by the University may have to wait until fall to colonize"

The “organizational process” of chartering historical black sororities, Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha, is taking longer than expected. Although some students who are interviewed are “glad of the time delay,” this falls as an inconvenience to students who wish to quickly charter the sororities.

Approval of chartering black sororities

Article "Committee recommends two black sororities"

The committee created to review the presentations of four black sororities recommends two. Students await the approval of the Student Affairs board and the Greek Life Advisory Board before rush is organized.

Article "Historically black sororities to join UR"

As the two black sororities start organizational plans for rush, the Panhellenic community (the six historically white sororities already on campus) makes efforts to show their support.

Article "Historically black sororities could colonize in Fall 1992"

Detailed descriptions for rush of the two black sororities are outlined. A forum is organized to unify historically white and historically black sororities in discussion of their similarities and differences.

Article "Historically black sorority colonizes: Formation of group marks a first for the University"

Delta Sigma Theta sorority members give insight into their struggle and victory to charter their sorority at the University of Richmond. Many women state that although there was no overt racism when participating in rush for the white sororities, there was extreme difficulty in attempting to establish black sororities.

Article "Past, future of black Greek organizations discussed"

Speaker Ishmail Conway addresses historically black fraternities and sororities. He discusses the history behind the institutions and remarks on the difficulties associated with moving these black greek organizations to white college campuses.