UA Develops Model for Greek Community Diversity and Inclusion

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama has developed an action plan that provides a model to promote inclusion in the recruitment process for its Greek community. The model captures three years of focused effort, which began in fall 2013 and resulted in increasingly diverse new member sorority classes in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

UA has approximately 10,000 students who are members of its 62 Greek organizations, making it one of the largest in the country. Since Fall 2012, the percentage of students of color in fraternities and sororities has increased 91.5 percent. Over the same time period, the Greek community has increased 31.1 percent and the overall UA enrollment of undergraduate students of color has increased 20.3 percent.

In the action plan, the University has clarified expectations for all students and student organizations; established a clear and consistent process for reporting, investigating and responding to allegations of discriminatory conduct; implemented appropriate training and education for those involved in the selection process; and worked to provide a supportive, welcoming campus that is inclusive and free of racial tension.

“We are proud of the commitment and progress our student leaders and alumni have made over the last three years to increase diversity in the Greek community. Our fraternity and sorority community is stronger as a result. We recognize this is a process that will take sustained focus and effort, and I am confident our student leaders will build upon the momentum generated over the last three years,” said Dr. David Grady, who has been UA’s vice president for student affairs since June 2015.