*DISCLAIMER- THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS POST BELOW ARE SOLELY MY OWN AND ARE NOT THE VIEWS OF PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, ITS PANHELLENIC COUNCIL OR ANY OF THE SORORITIES AT PENN STATE UNIVERSITY*
I've learned a lot about crisis PR from Penn State, especially after my school became a punchline in the PR world with its handling of Jerry Sandusky. Unfortunately, its Greek Life, which I was a part of at the university, is also under scrutiny.
Recently, a photo went viral that featured the Chi Omega chapter at Penn State. The ladies were at a Mexican-themed social event and were wearing sombreros and dressed in ponchos. Some were wearing mustaches but what really got many people up in arms is the signs that they were holding. One sign read: "Will mow lawn for weed and beer" and the other said "I don't cut grass I smoke it."
One of the first things I learned from being a part of organizations (and not just greek life, but any organization or job) is to be extremely careful what is posted online. Certain posts or photos can put you in a negative light. Unfortunately, whoever posted this photo online was clearly not thinking or thought it was a funny photo, and now the entire sorority is being investigated and a suspension is possible.
This could have blown away a little quicker. The sorority's president released a statement yesterday apologizing for the photo. But, Penn State PHC decided to extend an invitation to expand and try and let Delta Delta Delta back in. Three years ago, Tri-Delta was kicked off campus for hazing and were told in three years they could come back. Since it has been exactly three years, Penn State's PHC decided, why not?
Bad move. Why would you try and bring back a sorority who got kicked off for hazing while you're investigating another sorority for posting a racist photo online? Delta Delta Delta declined the offer, but had they accepted it, things could have been worse for PHC.
I am an alumna of a sorority at Penn State. Hearing this on the news was disheartening. I do know a few women who were a part of the Chi Omega sorority and they are wonderful people. I know it's even more disheartening for them to see this on the news as well.
Here's what Penn State needs to do: put them on probation and/or suspend them for the remainder of the semester immediately. This photo has got way more people outside the university up in arms. After what happened with Sandusky/Paterno last year, Penn State should know better. The semester is almost over; suspending them now is appropriate but probation is a must. The photo should not have been posted and something like this should not be happening- as sorority women you are held to a much higher standard. It's not always fair but it is the truth. This is a big NO NO and any business that would have put a photo like that up would have terminated whoever was responsible for now and put those employees on leave. If they are not punished, it basically says that it's okay what they did even if they are really sorry.
I know it's tough to do but it needs to be done. The sorority must be punished in some way. The statement was good and I'm glad the president put it out there but Chi Omega in general needs to do lots of damage control. I think they should get in contact with any club associated with students of Mexican background and the NAACP and issue statements as a WHOLE there. Education is the first step and even if they realize now that they were wrong, they should get in touch with these groups and talk about why this is wrong. They can become leaders against discrimination. Chi Omega should take steps in preventing prejudice on campus.
They should basically take a stand like Penn State did. The university has become a leader in the fight against child abuse and some of the organizations that have sprung up since the scandal last year have shined a new light. More people are proud of what Penn State has accomplished since last year.
When I was a student at Penn State, I saw so many signs condemning racism and hatred of other cultures. The photo does depict the exact opposite. If Penn State is truly against discrimination, they need to seek action against Chi Omega (it's only appropriate). It's unfortunate because I honestly think the sisters were not trying to be racist but rather witty. Unfortunately, it was racist and they need to have some form of punishment. Probation is a must and suspension cannot be overlooked.
Penn State Panhellenic also should have some form of regulation on social media. Is it free speech? Yes, but there do need to be rules. Many clubs, organizations and teams have rules when it comes to social media and PHC should as well. All chapter presidents should meet together and accept the changes and pass it on to the chapter women.
I love Penn State Greek Life. Many members of the greek community go on to have successful careers. Incidents like these are what brings them down. It's how you respond that is important. When a IFC prospect died after attending fraternities, many things changed and it made social life at Penn State safer. It seemed strict and unnecessary at the time but now, it works very well and is efficient. Penn State Greek Life should look at this PR Crisis and take some good out of it. It seems like strides are being taken but more needs to be done. The people who were involved need to be held accountable and the rest of PHC needs to work together to make sure an incident like this NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.
I think Penn State PHC will recover from this and I hope they are able to bounce back from the negative backlash they have received. I know the women who are apart of PHC are strong and intelligent and I am confident they will realize what needs to be done. And I wish luck to Chi Omega; I hope that you will be able to bounce back too and learn from this mistake.
