A recruitment video released by the Alpha Phi chapter at the University of Alabama has raised several questions about the sorority lifestyle.
The video portrays chapter members running around the campus of the University of Alabama, skipping and dancing on the football field and jumping into a lake. The members appear to have a good time as they spend time with their sisters.
Much of the backlash has centered around the lack of diversity in the video. The women in the video appear to be exclusively white. The University of Alabama has long dealt with racism and segregation on campus. Fraternities and sororities at the University of Alabama were segregated until UA’s Student government voted to formally integrate Greek organizations in April 2014.
“It felt more like an exposé on sorority stereotypes,” said Matthew Thompson, dance performance sophomore.
Not everyone believes that the video is cause for scandal. Sorority recruitment videos often portray sisters having a good time together. Tamara Doherty, psychology senior and economics president of the OCU chapter of Alpha Phi defended the video.
“This video simply showcases sisters having fun together, one of many positive aspects about being an Alpha Phi,” Doherty said. “Alpha Phi offers a meaningful social experience, in addition to providing academic support, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities for our members,.”
Other OCU students agree that the video is no cause for concern.
“We should not jump to conclusions because of one video, said Nathan Thaler, finance junior. “Sororities have a positive influence on the lives of women. “If you want to shut down a sortie for perceived discrimination than you are doing more harm than good to society.”
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