I am writing to address the poorly researched claims made by Zac Cummings in the Oct. 25, 2006 issue of The Daily Orange, in which he discussed the lack of fraternity and sorority involvement in the community.

In the past year, fraternities and sororities have held numerous philanthropic events and completed thousands of hours of community service. Examples of service and philanthropy projects include: Sigma Phi Epsilon hosting a dodgeball tournament and silent auction to benefit the Youth Aids Foundation and Delta Delta Delta sponsoring a pancake breakfast for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition to the activities that chapters sponsor, there are numerous community-wide events through which members engage with one another, not ‘exclusively on the brothers in their chapters.’ Activities include Greek or Treat, giving local children a safe place to trick-or-treat, the March of Dimes Million Penny Project, and food and book drives during Greek Week; not just ‘participating in Comstock Kid Fest in the spring and ending it there.’ Individually, our men and women are orientation leaders, Big Brothers and Sisters, mentors and tutors.

Fraternities and sororities are not ‘small groups who compete for members,’ we are social organizations based on principles of leadership, service and academia. While social events are a part of our system, they do not, by any means, define who we are. It is disappointing that The Daily Orange is continuously eager to print negative opinions of our community, but refuses to publish articles about successful philanthropy and community service events.

Rebecca DanielsSenior public relations and English and textual studies major

Daniels is a Delta Delta Delta sister and Panhellenic Council president.