Being African American, wanting to join a frat

Fauster
Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:09:45 +0000

jy, I can’t speak for UD fraternities but I can share my perspective as someone who has been a fraternity member since 1984.

I agree with your assertion that fraternities are predominately white. When I look through my fraternity magazine, the pictures of various chapter events or gatherings shows mostly white students. I believe that it’s more self-segregation than intolerance but there’s only one way to find out for sure.

You’ll need to attend as many rush events as possible with different fraternities to get a feel for how you fit in with the members. Some may look at you and think “What is HE doing here?” and the negative vibe will be obvious. Others may be polite but not do much to make you feel welcome. Hopefully, you’ll find a group of young men that want to get to know you and accept you for who you are.

How should you feel? Probably angry that some groups would judge you based solely on your skin color. Will it work? It should but only time will tell. I’ve only met a handful of fraternity members at UD during my visits but I’m hopeful that you will be able to find an organization that ‘fits’ you.