The Fight For Sororities

Fraternity’s little sisters

The only forms of women organizations on the social scene were “fraternity little sisters”. Women were “chosen” by fraternity brothers to be the female counterpart of each fraternity. These women acted as personal cheerleaders of the fraternities and were required to be loyal individuals. The little sisters were not formally acknowledged by the university and many issues surrounding sexual harassment and assault arose from this social practice.

Article "Lack of Student Interest, Land Prevent UR Sororities"

Director of student activities, Max Vest, believed that there is a lack of student interest when it came to sororities at the University of Richmond. Dean of Westhampton College, Stephanie Bennett, stated that she prefered sororities to “the little sister's program of fraternities,” and already has goals in mind if sororities were to appear on campus.

Westhampton women advocating for sororities

As the fraternity’s little sisters program was controversial, many individuals turned to different avenues to create a more diverse social scene. The fight for bringing sororities on campus began with Westhampton College women advocating for a social scene away from fraternity parties. Groups such as W.I.S.E. [Women Involved in Sorority Establishment] worked to persuade students in favor of sororities and communicate with administrators, faculty, and the Board of Trustees about the organization of such institutions.

Questionnaire "How Would You Feel About Sororities at UR?"

University of Richmond students were asked the question, “How would you feel about sororities at UR?” Students from both Westhampton College and Richmond College offer their opinions on the pros and cons of having a new section of Greek Life potentially moving to campus.

Article "Women Discuss Pros and Cons of Sororities"

Arguments for both “Yes, sororities should be on the University of Richmond campus,” and, “No, sororities should not be on the University of Richmond campus,” are provided for readers who may be confused or unsure about the issue.

Pros (those fighting to bring sororities to campus {majority students})

Those in favor of bringing sororities to campus created student groups which persistently created polls, questionnaires, and forums in order to increase interest in the matter. Westhampton students believed that organizations like fraternities in Richmond College provided enough argument for the establishment of sororities in Westhampton College.

The letter is written in 1932 to address a campus debate surrounding the existence of fraternities and dismay at the lack of sororities on campus.

Article "Consideration of Sororities Asked: Collegian Discusses Fourth Plank in Platform; Keller Stand Explained"

The Collegian proposed a list of changes regarding university activities, which included the issue of installing national or local sororities at Westhampton College.

Arguments are made such as the comparison of Richmond College fraternities to Westhampton College and its lack of similar organizations.

Article "WC Student Group Launches Drive to Bring Sororities to University"

A questionnaire is sent to all Westhampton students in order to gather information on student sentiment regarding bringing sororities to the University of Richmond campus.

This article covers the creation of the group ‘Women Involved in Sorority Establishment’ (W.I.S.E.) and the work that Westhampton College students did in order to advocate for bringing sororities on campus.

Editorial "Sister, Can You Spare a Lodge?"

This satirical article is written by a Westhampton student who sarcastically argues for the reasons why sororities should be brought to the University of Richmond, namely, for the benefit of the males.

Letter to the Editor from Laura M. Green

Westhampton College student, Laura Green, attempts to describe the details regarding Greek Life, and more specifically, sororities.

Cons (those fighting against bringing sororities to campus {a lot of faculty, staff, and administrators})

The initial efforts to increase student interest failed as the majority of Westhampton students disliked the idea of creating even more cliques on campus. The negative reputation that fraternities established on campus amongst faculty further encouraged students to vote against bringing sororities to Westhampton College.

Article "Sororities: Faculty Decides Against Them For Westhampton"

Right before winter break, students in the Westhampton College voted by ballot and concluded that the time was not right for Westhampton College to bring in sororities.

An Assistant Westhampton Editor voices their opinion on the detriments and benefits of sororities at large universities compared to smaller universities.

Article "College Fraternities, Sororities Are Termed 'Citadels of Snobbery"

Mrs. Glenn Frank, published an article titled ‘Citadels of Snobbery’ in Pageant Magazine and determines that the screening process by which Greek Life organizations admit members, “is responsible for innumerable tragedies,” including racism and religious discrimination.

Article "Not Here: WC Leaders Rap Sororities"

Westhampton College students provide personal opinions and statements regarding the absence of sororities on their own campus.

Article "Women Reject Sorority Proposal"

A referendum that had asked Westhampton College students whether they were in favor or not in favor of bringing sororities on campus resulted in a 63.3% vote against sororities.