Recently, a number of articles have emerged discussing the issue of diversity at SMU. These pieces paint a picture of a predominately white, conservative campus that is largely devoid of minorities.

Certainly, the numbers of minorities have dwindled in recent years, and these numbers are alarming to anyone. As a minority student myself, I was initially dispirited by the statistics.

My laments, however, would be futile if not backed by actions: using my voice (or words, in this case) to share what I know about the minority population on campus as Vice President of Administration for the Multicultural Greek Council and as a sister of Kappa Delta Chi.

The administration is apprehensive about minority recruitment and retention, and recent articles only showcase the urgency of this concern. It is my belief that the solution to SMU’s declining diversity may well be within the current students themselves.

Still, articles that are grossly misinformed do nothing to dispel the stereotypes that run so rampantly through this campus, particularly within the Greek system.

The article “Looking for Diversity,” published in late February, brings up how the National Pan-Hellenic Council has already taken measures to increase diversity within its council, but the Multicultural Greek Council, the largest minority organization on campus, was cast as a council that was uninterested in adding any variety to its members.

The M.G.C. comprises three sororities: Sigma Phi Omega, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and Kappa Delta Chi; two fraternities: Omega Delta Phi and Alpha Psi Lambda (the former being co-ed); and a colony, Sigma Lambda Beta.

While these organizations historically carry strong cultural and ethnic affiliations, they consider themselves, first and foremost, multicultural. And they live up to their name. To state that these chapters have no white participants is inaccurate, as half of the chapters within the M.G.C. have white members. Other members hail from Europe and Africa, furthering the diversity.

The M.G.C.’s numbers pale in comparison to the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic, but our small numbers help us discern diversity issues and take measures to fix them. M.G.C. is dedicated to increasing cultural awareness, not just within the council but also in the greater SMU community. Still, a willingness on behalf of the student population to learn about other organizations on campus is vital, and it is the responsibility of those students who feel unheard to speak out.

The intention of this letter is not only to rectify the facts but also to express my disappointment. As an SMU student, I hope that the newspaper that claims itself as the voice of Southern Methodist University will take measures to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and heard correctly.

– Kristian Hernandez