Auburn University prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive campus. Yet, many faculty, staff and students are unaware of what exactly the National Pan-Hellenic Council is or that it exists on our campus.
For those who are not familiar with NPHC, the “Divine Nine” as it is affectionately known by its members, is home to Auburn’s predominantly black fraternities and sororities, which share culture and experience steeped in purpose and tradition. Being a minority myself, this group of leaders and civically engaged students served as an inspiration for me to get involved both on and off campus.
First impressions are crucial to making a lasting connection — this holds true for campus organizations as well. Welcome Week was an important opportunity for NPHC to establish a valuable connection with incoming and returning students and get them involved with the service projects these organizations help provide. Although, it seems that the giving spirits of NPHC went unnoticed by most, living in the shadows of larger, more recognizable organizations. The sisters of the Kappa Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., held a few service events during Welcome Week to kick off the school year, such as a mental health and self-care event called “Take 5,” as well as a school supply drive.
In addition, the brothers of the Sigma Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., volunteered with the Tiger Retreat Camp, held a social cookout in partnership with the Harold A. Franklin Society, named after the first African American to attend Auburn University, as well as collected donations for Preparedness Month.
Yet, I feel as though these events could have been more impactful if the presence of NPHC were more visible than it is now.
After learning what a tremendous impact these service fraternities and sororities have on a local and international scale, I was disappointed to realize what little presence they have on our campus. These organizations do not have the privilege of having luxury fraternity houses we see surrounding campus, the right to reserved dorms like we see in the village for non-NPHC sororities or even the pleasure and convenience of having apparel sold in the campus bookstore.
In the many years I have walked the campus of Auburn, I can see the overwhelming presence of Panhellenic sororities and fraternities: posters, T-shirts and bumper stickers.
I asked the brothers of the Sigma Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi what their thoughts were on these differences. It seemed commonplace to feel as though the University leaders and administration should be more cognizant of the disparities between what Roderick Mingo described as, “Us small minority Greek life members, such as [Multicultural Greek Council] & NPHC” and the large organizations of the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council.”
As I was listening to the many educational and cultural service activities being described by NPHC members, I was outraged to realize that all of Auburn’s Greek organizations share the same access and opportunity. It would seem that the camaraderie and personal excellence promoted by these organizations would be a highlight of the diverse campus life AU has to offer, and yet that does not seem to be the case.
Minority Greek organizations do not get the same treatment or representation on campus as the predominantly white Greek organizations do. Greek life on Auburn seems to be a numbers game, or at least that’s how Mingo describes it.
“For the NPHC organizations to receive the same treatment, representation and recognition, they would need their member counts to enter into the triple digits,” Mingo said.
Being that Auburn is a Predominantly White Institution, a numbers game already stacks the odds against these organizations. There simply aren’t enough minority students in general, and even fewer who want to be Greek, in order for NPHC members to meet the suggested membership numbers.
A major concern is having to accept everyone into these organizations. Mingo believes that a more concentrated focus on increasing membership would ultimately result in the decline of the true “essence and meaning behind [NPHC organizations’] principles and beliefs.”
The Sigma Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated was the first African American fraternity to be founded on the campus of a PWI in the state of Alabama. Yet, Auburn continues to take NPHC for granted. Omega Phi Psi is a piece of history, but Auburn University hasn’t yet recognized or celebrated this.
There is an apparent need for change, and the start of a solution is naming the problem. I will start by saying that our “inclusive” Auburn Family, needs to extend that vision and strategic plan for diversity and inclusion to the members of NPHC. To deny these Greek organizations the same privileges as Panhellenic and IFC simply because of the number of members (or lack thereof), is unacceptable.
The school needs to take a good look at its own diversity ratio in order to consider how it affects minority organizations such as NPHC or BSU.
In the meantime, it will not hurt to offer apparel for all Greek organizations on campus and offer spaces for NPHC to fellowship and create a substantial presence on campus as well.
It is one thing to write in a syllabus or on a website that we are an inclusive and diverse campus; it is another thing to consciously, intentionally and actively be one. It starts with us going out and supporting one another and seeing the different cultures and traditions our great institution has to offer.
NPHC offers festivities full of history, service, music, food and even the tradition of “steps and strolls” that one may not find in other Greek organizations.
As you plan your various school activities, don’t forget to include a diverse AU family experience by participating in a NPHC event.
MaKayla Smith is a senior in communications at Auburn.
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