New statistics from the Greek affairs Web site show that even though Greeks make up a slim 4 percent of the university’s population, they account for 90 percent of the leadership positions in various clubs, organizations and honor societies.
Some of the more major Greek-led organizations are the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, Black Students Association, Circle K, Tiger Pride, Student Ambassador Board, Up ‘til Dawn and Omicron Delta Kappa.
“A lot of things aren’t sponsored by Greek organizations, but the leadership in those organizations and most of the members have some Greek affiliation,” said Michelle Smith, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.
Greeks also make up 78 percent of The U of M’s Who’s Who Among American College Students.
But some non-Greek students believe that unfair politics play a large part in determining the leadership positions.
“In most organizations, it seems like they have the same sets of people in charge and they are almost always Greek,” said Erica Brannon, a non-Greek Sophomore.
Of the 20 orientation guides, 16 are Greek and 80 percent of the frosh camp counselors are Greek as well.
Being involved in Greek organizations can have an impact on support during elections as well, said Don Johnson, speaker pro-tempore of the SGA.
“It’s certainly much easier to be a Greek around elections, as far as getting your petition signed, getting people out to vote and things of that nature,” Johnson said. “You’re more likely to have more friends on campus who will come and vote for you.”
Johnson is one of the highest ranking non-Greeks at the University. The SGA along with SAC are traditionally run by Greeks and both the president and vice-president of each are Greek.
“(Greeks) are all you really see running things and I’m sure that there are a lot more people trying to get in those positions,” said Charles Williams, a non-Greek student.
Most Greeks believe that non-Greek students do not face discrimination in seeking leadership positions, Smith said.
“I think the fact that 90 percent of the leaders are Greek says something positive for Greeks, but I also think it says something negative about the rest of the student body,” Smith said. “If (non-Greeks) were as involved as they should be, then there wouldn’t be room for only Greeks to have all these positions.”
