Let me start off by saying that I am proud the University is finally addressing the issue of race and attempting to be active in making some changes. I was also glad to hear in the original story that was printed that the members of the sorority were willing to accept a black student, even if it went against their alumnae’s view of tradition.

That shows me, as an African-American, that, as a world, we are progressing. To clarify: As a world we are progressing, but as the University, we seem to be a couple of steps behind.

I remember when I first came to the University, my father explained to me how it was extremely rooted in “tradition.” I did not have a complete grasp of what he was saying before I spent more time on the campus. My father, in his effort to be protective, sugar-coated the word “racism” with the word “tradition.” I have heard that word plenty of times throughout the campus and, quite frankly, it has turned into an excuse.

After the story broke and gained national attention from all major news outlets, I saw the University actually take action. Of course, they had to act quickly, but I feel that the true issue is not being addressed. It appears that the University took a “give them what they want” mentality, rather than actually taking action against the sororities.

Since the University forced the sororities to have open bidding, a small number of black students have been accepted. This is a great step forward, but is it genuine? Those few members who were accepted seem to be “the token ones,” selected only to reach a quota or create an image. Will these girls ever be accepted into the fold, or are they being used for an image?

This problem cannot be covered by planting blacks in sororities to save face. I believe the University should regulate all activities of the sororities until next rush or take disciplinary action. The University seems to be putting a Band-Aid over the issue until the attention dies down. This is not something that heals and leaves a scar.

Segregation is not something that just goes away; it stems from values by which people were raised. We as a University and a student body must show that this is not the social norm or acceptable. This “tradition” is not a part of the University anymore. Those who support segregation should not feel like they are a part of the majority anymore. I know this won’t force individual opinions to change, but it will make them think twice.

I do not think that we are stuck in this position, but we are going about it the wrong way. A slap on the wrist is not going to solve this, and just letting a few black members in the door is not going to solve it either. The University has to send the message that this is wrong without the help of national outlets.

Amber Patterson is a junior majoring in public relations. Her column runs biweekly on Wednesdays.