Wednesday’s response from the University of Wisconsin administration regarding alleged racial discrimination is another perfect example of the institution’s failed approach to diversity. Students are drilled with diversity propaganda from their first day on campus until the time they graduate, but ultimately these programs leave thousands of students each year unprepared to deal with diversity in the real world.

As a white, heterosexual, Christian male from a nearly homogenous upper-middle class suburb, I have gained the vast majority of my diversity experience during my time at UW. However, only a fraction of my experience was learned in a classroom, training session or lecture. The greatest exposure I have had to diversity is through Greek life. My fraternity brothers represent many different religions, races, ethnicities, political parties, socioeconomic levels and geographic backgrounds. I have found Greek life more diverse than any class, dorm or student organization I have been a part of.

Not only does the emergency suspension of the Delta Upsilon fraternity presume guilt until innocence is proven, but it is a reactive approach rather than a proactive one we would expect from our fine institution. Further, the administration’s jump to a conclusion before all relevant facts have been evaluated sends a clear signal to the Greek community and campus at large. The administration is more concerned with political correctness than an actual change in the diversity climate on campus and the search for truth for which we all continually sift and winnow.

It is my belief that the university can learn a lot about diversity and tolerance through the Greek community. Unfortunately, until the methods of teaching diversity are changed and communication is improved we will continue to read stories about acts of racism on our campus.

Johnny Koremenos ([email protected]) is a junior studying political science and sociology and a member of Phi Gamma Delta.