As members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, we are writing this letter to inform GW community of our protest of Greek Week, which took place last week, Oct. 18-22. This initiative was intended to create a sense of community and also represent the bond that we as Greek-letter organizations have with one another. It is, however, ironic that in these efforts the NPHC, the body that governs the nine historically African-American Greek-letter organizations, was not included in the planning of this event. The irony continues because, in the lack of our inclusion in the planning, the names of our organizations were included on the T-shirts that officially represent and symbolize the unity of the Greeks on campus.

This protest is not to be misconstrued as a means of rebellion against unification endeavors posed by the Interfraternity Council and the GW Pan-Hellenic Council. On the contrary, it is a cry for equal respect and consideration of our presence on the GW campus.

Unity is not simply a word; it is an action that requires conscious initiative. When we are not active participants in the activities that take place during Greek Week and are simply expected to sign our names to the list as a show of unity, that is not unity. When our efforts to add input for the success of Greek Week are ignored, that is not unity. When there are meetings that are scheduled to discuss future events that require involvement of the whole Greek-letter community and no representatives from the IFC and Pan-Hellenic Council show up, that is not unity.

It is unfair and unacceptable to expect NPHC to agree to put our letters on an initiative that not only advertises falsely but also makes a mockery of unity. We are proud of our respective organizations and the foundation of fellowship and scholarship that our various founders set forth for us.

We are insulted that it was requested of us to include our letters on a project in which we had no real participation. Our plea is simple: give us equal respect as Greek-letter organizations. It is our duty to bring open-mindedness to the diversity in traditions and history of the IFC and Pan-Hellenic Council. We only expect the same.

-Chioma Mary Oruh

The writer is representing Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta sororities