Southern Sororities Short on Hospitality

Re “Sorority System in No Rush to Integrate,” Sept. 10:

It is sad indeed that all 15 of the University of Alabama’s white sororities have declined to accept university junior Melody Twilley into membership--and admit a black woman to their ranks for the first time. But what is even more sad is that Twilley, who is described as mature, intelligent and outgoing, should want to submit herself to the degrading sorority system in the first place.

There is no reason why young women should feel they need to ingratiate themselves with these exclusive clubs. Worse still, some of the university’s staff have been encouraging her in this effort while acknowledging the exclusive nature of the Greek system. Although integration of sororities is a noble goal, the university should cultivate an inclusive environment, one that treats each student as an intelligent, dignified individual.

Kevin Duncliffe

Los Angeles

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Your article on sorority rush at the University of Alabama brought back memories--of why I left the state in the first place. I went through sorority rush at the university in 1967 and bailed before it was over because I couldn’t imagine spending the next four years with these shallow Stepford sisters. Somehow, I’m not surprised that nothing has changed in 34 years. Just disappointed. And happy I wasn’t swallowed up by “the Machine.”

Linda F. Cauthen

West Hollywood

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After the horrific events of Sept. 11 in New York and Washington, I wonder if the all-white sororities at the University of Alabama that refused to accept their first black student have a little different perspective on what the real threats to their way of life are. I wonder if they feel any sense of sisterhood with Twilley today.

Jackie Glover

Monrovia