The Board of SDAP has been informed by Delta Zeta about the recent events at DePauw University. SDAP wants to show support for Delta Zeta and we have reposted comments from Delta Zeta here.
The following below is a statement from Delta Zeta National
about in regards to DePauw University closing the chapter:
Delta Zeta Sorority Statement (March 12, 2007)
Delta Zeta national leadership is extremely disappointed that after 98 years, University officials have unilaterally closed the chapter and still refuse to meet with us. The situation concerning Delta Zeta at DePauw University continues to be mischaracterized and is harming all parties involved.
Our choice not to engage in the media frenzy surrounding this situation was made out of respect to our members at DePauw and nationwide. Unfortunately, that has allowed the mischaracterizations and falsehoods that exist in this story to continue unchallenged.
After the DePauw University women voted to cease recruitment activities in August and to close the chapter at the end of the year, Delta Zeta approached the University to seek a solution to close the chapter and return at a later date. That was denied. Delta Zeta then followed the advice and guidance of University officials at a meeting in September. We undertook the membership review under the guidance of the University and concluded the review in November. Any statement to the contrary is false.
Despite media accounts to the contrary, Delta Zeta national leadership undertook the membership review and made decisions thereon based solely upon each woman's commitment to Delta Zeta's recruitment plans moving forward. No other factor was considered. Any statement otherwise is inaccurate and misleading and we are saddened that any member would feel this way.
We delivered the notice of the results of the membership review via letter prior to finals. In hindsight, we should have waited until after finals to discuss this decision in person with the members. We have publicly apologized for this.
We have continued to ask for meetings with the University even as late as February 25th to resolve this situation, yet the University has chosen to communicate via the media rather than engage in discussions with all affected parties. This approach multiplies the hurt and harm to Delta Zeta and our alumnae and collegiate members.
Delta Zeta is appreciative of the support shown by the Delta Zeta alumnae and active members nationwide. We stand behind our organization's mission and members and are proud of their philanthropic works and leadership they show on daily basis.
Delta Zeta Sorority
202 East Church Street
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 523-7597
www.deltazeta.org
Link to New York Times article on sorority eviction from DePauw
San Diego