To the Editor:
While I have a lot to criticize in the recent coverage of Panhellenic recruitment, I will try to focus solely on a rumor that has been cited by this publication as well as many women participating in rush.
The computer system we use does not make matching potential new members to sororities "arbitrary" or "iffy" or "random." The results would be no different if I locked myself in a room and compared the preferences of PNMs and those of the Panhellenic organizations. The computer simply shortens the process so that PNMs do not have to wait as long for their invites.
Blaming it on the computer is often a way of avoiding a harsh truth: Sometimes an organization does not like a PNM as much as she likes them. I know this sounds blunt, but this mutual selection is the very basis of recruitment. The same mutual selection is important for Inter-Fraternity Council recruitment and is the reason why some men who "shake-out" at a fraternity are not offered bids.
Finally, while the Verbum Ultimum ("She's Nice, But...," Oct. 17) made it seem as though Panhellenic Council strong-arms organizations into following our recruitment procedure, each organization is given the option of signing a "unanimous agreement." Each year, all seven organizations voluntarily sign up to participate in Panhellenic recruitment. Perhaps this is because they have yet to come up with a far superior alternative, or because they recognize the immense commitment of time and energy required to oversee recruitment. Either way, it is their choice.
While we find gossip-based bashing unproductive, we welcome all interested parties to offer their constructive suggestions at our weekly meetings or via Blitz.
Jessica Lane '09
Panhellenic Council President
