Diversity in the Greek Life - Rachel Hammons

At the University of Mississippi, approximately 30% of students belong to Greek organizations. Female students have the option of going through one of two recruitment processes: National Panhellenic Council (NPC- mostly Caucasian females) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC- mostly African American females).

Many individuals believe that the Ole Miss Greek life promotes segregation. The gigantic Greek houses that can be seen on campus are for the most part filled with white women. Some call these houses evidence of visible segregation. African American sororities are mostly off campus.

African American employees also reside in houses on Sorority Row, working jobs such as cleaning and cooking.

Betty Brown, an African American cook for the Chi Omega sorority, remarked that she has never felt like she is a minority within the house.

Brown said, “I had never felt discriminated against. These girls are my everything, and I appreciate everything they have done for over the years.”

The University of Mississippi has no regulations on whether black females should be allowed to rush NPC, although the practice is generally uncommon. Most African American women choose to rush NPHC, but this was not the case for Kimbrely Dandridge.

Kimbrely Dandridge, an African American sophomore journalism major from Como, Miss., decided to go against all odds when she made the decision to go through NPC recruitment this past fall. (99% of girls who are members of these sororities are white.) Dandridge is currently employed by Ole Miss as a Residential Assistant, and she is also a member of the NPC Greek sorority Phi Mu.

After a long summer of contemplation and encouragement from her Caucasian friends to go through recruitment, Dandridge made the decision to rush NPC in an effort to do something different.

Dandridge remarked that rush was the most stressful, intense week she has ever experienced. Many of her friends who initially encouraged her to go through the process ending up cutting her. When asked if she would do it all over again, she said that she wasn’t sure.

Dandridge’s decision to go through the primarily Caucasian rush was not overlooked by the black community. In fact, many of her friends criticized her for not going through NPHC.

Dandridge said, “People didn’t know why I wasn’t doing NPHC. Several NPHC members stopped talking to me. It was like a slap in the face to them when I didn’t do it. But I didn’t want to do the norm. I wanted to step outside of the rim.”

Dandridge has remarked that Ole Miss’s current Greek system is stuck in the old days.

Dandridge remarked, “It’s institutional segregation. Some houses will cut you just because you’re black. They don’t look at a person for who they are, they just see the fact that they’re black. That mentality is stuck in the old days. People don’t want to move forward.”

Dandridge is also not a fan of the segregated recruitment systems. She believes the two should be combined.

Dandridge remarked, “I want it to be where we don't have a black system and a white system. I want there to be a Greek system where it’s everybody together. I don’t feel like the Greek systems right now are promoting diversity.”

Dandridge has said that being the only black in her sorority has been very trying and that some people still do not accept her even within her own organization. However, Dandridge proceeds forward every day with a positive attitude.

Danridge commented, “Every day that I walk into the [Phi Mu] house, people begin to accept it a little more. Being a Phi Mu is not about color.”

Dandridge daily learns lessons from being the sole minority within her Greek organization.

Dandridge said, “I’ve learned to always have my guard up. You never know what people say behind your back. Never trust anybody. You don’t have any many friends as you think you do. Be who you are. The people who want to see you succeed will always be there for you.”

***

For more information on Ole Miss recruitment, please visit: http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/panhellenic/Ole_Miss_Panhellenic_Council/Welcome.html

VIDEO:

http://youtu.be/dnwyaKmlraA

Above: Betty Brown pauses cooking lunch for the Chi Omega girls to take a quick photo op.

Above: Sue Weakley rocks out for the 1st Annual Diversity Week at the University of Mississippi.

Diversity In The Classroom: Jamie Kline

Diversity In the Classroom

Promoting diversity is an important goal shared by many American colleges and universities. At the University of Mississippi the question has been raised whether our classrooms are truly diverse or not.

Much discussion about diversity focuses on standard forms of discrimination: race, ethnicity, social stature, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, etc. Students come into university classrooms from different backgrounds, sets of experiences, cultural contexts and worldviews. Does the Ole Miss student population also reflect such diversity as well?

On October 1, 1962, James Meredith became the first black student at Ole Miss. His admittance was the kick-start to diversity at this institution. The statue and monument of Meredith’s achievement on campus serve as a constant reminder of this important milestone in recognizing the importance of diversity.

Everyone has a different definition of the word diversity. When student Kells Johnson was asked to define it he said, “Diversity means more than just black and white. You can be black, white, gay, straight, bisexual, disabled, introvert, extrovert. Diversity can be used in so many different ways you can’t really put a an exact label on it.”

On the Ole Miss website, you can find the University’s mission and goals from the office of the Chancellor. Under the Service section it states that the University “is committed to developing diverse campuses that recognize and promote the value of individual differences”.

While the University states its commitment, it may not be evenly diverse across campus. “Some class rooms are diverse, I really can’t speak for all of them, but the ones that I have been in have had a mixture of all kinds,” Johnson said, “Except for this journalism 102 class I’m in, I was the only black person in my class”.

According to information about Ole Miss’s student body on the College Board website, 76% of students are reported to be Caucasian. Leaving 24% left for minorities. With these statistics, it is clear that creating diverse classrooms is going to be difficult until statistics change.

Sophomore Cheyenne Smith is majoring in social work. “Because social work isn’t that popular of a major here, I have all my classes with a lot of the same people,” She said.

Even though Smith shares her classes with familiar faces, she believes that her classrooms are diverse. “We do have diverse people in the social work field, there are some gay guys and a lot of females, but we don’t really catch a lot of guys in our major,” Smith said.

Statistics may indicate that University of Mississippi’s campus still has racial diversity challenges. However, many teachers and students choose to appreciate the array of cultural differences that do sometimes exist in the classroom. One way this is recognized is by Diversity Week’s weeklong celebration of all diversity groups, whether through race, ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation, and promoting anti-bullying.

Diversity creates a very rich environment because it provides many different perspectives. This ultimately enriches a person’s knowledge and experience. Promoting such diversity in the classroom not only leads to a collective awareness, but also reflects the authenticity of the real world. It is important for students and teachers to embrace each other’s differences to create a healthy and successful learning atmosphere for all.

Click Here For: Jamie’s Diversity Video Link

Jamie Kline

Diversity in UM Band

Diversity can be seen in a variety of places on the University of Mississippi’s campus, especially in the University of Mississippi’s band.

Chris Presley is the marching band’s drum major, and although he is the drum major, he is not a music major. Band is something that includes many different types of people within it Presley said.

“Band allows me to get oustside of the box and meet people,” Presley said. “I think that’s one of the main things I like about band, just meeting people from all different walks of life.”

Presley also shared some of his memorable moments of being part of the band. Presley said his special memory with the band is his very first day of band camp.

“I remember going into band camp thinking, ‘I will not have time for this,’” Presley said. “But after that first day I was so excited, and I was looking forward to all the years to come.”

The assissant band director, Bill Dejournett, said band is a very diverse organization. It is a collection of students from many different academic departments.

Dejournett also shared his experience when deciding to make music his major. Dejournett said it was a very difficult decision for him to make.

“I knew I loved band, but at the same time I was a part of a lot of other things, like journalism, the debate team, and even drama,” Dejournett said. “I remember the day that I had to be a music major, and it wasn’t that I decided to be a music major, it was that I had to be a music major.”

The life of a band director is extremely hectic. It is the most difficult part of making music your career Dejournett said.

Dejournett said that although he is a band director now, he is still able to incorporate the other things he enjoys into his job.

“I haven’t totally given up journalism,” Dejournett said. “I’ve written two books, and I’ve done lots of publications in music journals.”

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOfk_NIyRkY

Hyperlink: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/band/index.html

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BLENDED CULTURES: INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Diversity is the concept of being accepting and respectful of differences in culture, race, religion, and opinion. Diversity is evident throughout daily affairs and interaction. Mixing race in the South has traditionally been controversial but challenging social norms is a test for people today.

Susan Ragsdale and Geoffrey Enchill are two entirely different individuals from different races, cultures, and religions. Both Ragsdale and Enchill, freshmen at the University of Mississippi, are brought together by their differences. They are involved in a romantic, interracial relationship.

Interracial relationships are becoming more common each and every day. However, these relationships are tagged as different and controversial due to racist tendencies and cultural and religious pride. When people date outside their own culture, race, or religion, they are subject to negative attention from their peers, friends, and even family.

“I don’t know why people take such offense that I am dating a Caucasian female,” Enchill said. “We have a lot in common and come from a similar family structure. We have been together for some time now, and I don’t see what all the fuss is about me, an African-American, dating a white female.”

One of the biggest struggles for the couple was facing fears of being ostracized by their friends and family because of their commitment to each other.

“I was really worried about telling others, especially my parents,” Ragsdale said. “I had never really approached the subject with them, and I was a little hesitant, but as soon as my mom met him and grew to like him, she understood why I am dating him.”

Enchill admitted to being nervous about the couple’s reception at Ole Miss at the beginning of their relationship. Enchill recounted one African American girl growling at him on campus because he was dating outside his race.

“I was dumbfounded because that was the first time I had witnessed a negative reaction to our relationship,” Enchill said. “I had no idea what to do about the situation but ignore it and keep walking.”

The University of Mississippi has made effort of informing students about the acceptance of different races, cultures, and religions. Journalism professor, Robin Street, is the head of the Diversity Rocks program at Ole Miss.

“Diversity Rocks is a weeklong program filed with lectures and information sessions on different aspects of diversity. From interracial relationships to honoring religious differences, the program is meant for the greater welfare of the university in recognizing and being tolerant of different people,” Street said.

“I have a student involved in an interracial relationship and it didn’t faze me in the least,” Street said. “I think it is up to the individual. Maybe, do you think, I should only be in relationships with people who have the same color hair as I do?”

With programs such as Diversity Rocks, people are being educated and informed on racial, cultural, and religious differences and learning to accept and respect them. Many speakers participated in the Diversity Rocks lectures, such as Rose Flenorl, Manager of Social Responsibility for FedEx, who discussed what she learned from being the first African American president of the Ole Miss Alumni Association. The week was filled with different activities, such as a photo and essay contest in which participants took photos and wrote essays about their personal definitions of diversity. There was a tent festival on the Farley Hall lawn where Chik-Fil-A sandwiches were served to students who had participated in different Diversity Rocks activities.

For more information on the Diversity Rocks program at the University of Mississippi, please visit http://www.diversityrocksonline.org/. Please visit http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Relationships/Love-101/Biracial_Relationships.aspx for more information on interracial relationships.

Diversity in the Workplace

An organization’s success and competitiveness is related to its ability to embrace diversity and recognize the benefits that come along. When businesses deal with diversity in the workplace they are able to notice increased adaptability and broader service ranges.

With a variety of viewpoints and more effective communication, companies can pull from the wide range of ideas to better accommodate the customer. Communication can hinder the workplace environment as well. Language barriers can pose issues with lack of teamwork and low morale.

Amenah al-Sherri, an Ole Miss student and waiter at Old Venice Pizza Co. said, “We have a deaf dishwasher at my work. She is the nicest, sweetest lady but all of the kitchen boys make fun of her. It has to be really hard for her to come to work every day and not be able to communicate with her co-workers.”

Simon Smith, a bartender at Taqueria El Milagro is the only Caucasian co-worker. The language difference poses a barrier between him and his co-workers. This language barrier brings about confusion for both Simon and his Spanish-speaking co-workers.

Smith said, “I don't have problems working with my co-workers. Even my Spanish isn't great but I can still try to communicate with them and that's the important thing.”

While many businesses are working to increase this, others are still lagging behind. Resistance to change is common, especially in the South, as some people are not ready for change. For others the diversity aspect isn’t noticed. Mario Booker, a former Ole Miss student and kitchen manager at Old Venice Pizza Co. does not think twice about the topic.

Booker said, “Everyone is cool that I work with. I don’t stop and think, ‘Oh this person is black or this person is white’ because we are all here doing our jobs and we’ve built friendships. You have to if you work with those people all the time.”

Attitudes toward diversity trickle down like a running faucet. It starts with one person’s opinion or attitude that affects someone else. This pattern if continued can greatly influence the environment in which one works. Management involvement and cooperation is conducive to creating a working environment.

For more information regarding diversity in the workplace please view this video.

[Meredith's video]

Graduation

Ole Miss Graduation
Jamie Kline

University of Mississippi 2011 graduating class will receive their commencement on April 13, 2011.

As these newly graduated students take their next steps into life they express concern and uncertainty about their very near future.

Chances are most students share the same feelings—confused about their direction in life after completing roughly four years of academic work as an undergraduate.

More than 1.5 million students complete their college degrees annually, and it’s virtually assured that every one of them is anxious about life after college.

These students have experienced a number of emotions—from excitement and relief to uncertainty and terror—at the prospect of entering the real world.

Senior exercise science major, Lauren Scholl says “I am terrified to graduate, I do not want to graduate, I love school, I love college, I do not want the real world.”

Although graduating may be an anxious and fearful time, it also calls for celebration. Senior journalism major Virginia Ranney will be celebrating with her family and friends the weekend of.

“Me and my friends are having a party at this old plantation home about 20 minutes away from oxford and I’m also backpacking in Europe as a gift from my parents.”

These new graduates have a lot on their plate, from searching for a job to figuring out your living arrangements to plotting your finances. With all of these variables, it can be an incredibly confusing time.

However, many of these students have achieved a lot during their time in college and reached the point where they can finally live life on their own terms.

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y8Y3xWK8fw

MTV in Oxford

MTV in Oxford

McClain Forman

Susan Weakley

Journalism

3/27/10

M.T.V. coming to Oxford

Music Television (M.T.V.) is coming to Oxford to host Spring Splash at Lafayette place Thursday April 14^th from three to six p.m.

Spring Splash is a pool side party with “Awesome games, giveaways and vendor booths”.There will also be a fashion show with “ The hottest trends in swim and sleep wear”.

The party will be hosted Mark Long who has been the host of the Real World/ Road Rules Challenge and Battle of the sexes, both aired on M.T.V. Joining him are former real world cast mates Kenny, Kelly Anne and CJ.

M.T.V. recently had open auditions for the next real world in Oxford earlier this month at Roosters. Hayden Wieck was one of the Ole Miss students who tried out for the real world said “There was a pretty long line and some paper work that we had to fill out. Then we went inside roosters and were asked a series of questions about why we should be on the Real World.” Wieck continued saying that he auditioned as a joke and if he was actually on the real world his parents would “kill him”.

There is an after party with Kenny, Kelly Anne, CJ and Mark Long at local bar Irie starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 14^th.

The party is open to residents of Lafayette place and friends of residents. It is also open to the public but once capacity is reached than no one else will be admitted.

Lafayette Employee and resident Tim Johnston have some high expectations for the party“ It’s not everyday that M.T.V. comes to party in Oxford especially to come party at our pool, it is definitely going to be better than your average frat party”.

The event will be filmed but as of right now it is unsure if it will be aired live or even aired at all.

Lafayette place has a contract with M.T.V. that if M.T.V. comes to Oxford that they will meet at Lafayette place. In 2010 Oxford, Mississippi was voted number five on the craziest college towns by The Huffington Post and anyone who has seen M.T.V. spring break or a party hosted by M.T.V. knows that M.T.V knows how to throw a party. This is sure to be one wild poolside party.

www.mtv.com