Fight Against ZTA

Introduction

In February 1967, history was made at Albion College's Beta Tau chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha when they extended a bid to Cecelia Williams, a junior hailing from Durham, NC. As the first African American student to join the sorority, Williams swiftly integrated herself into campus life, assuming leadership roles and participating in a myriad of activities. However, the chapter's jubilation was short-lived as they found themselves facing probation from their national office over alleged "pledging irregularities." This punitive action was widely perceived as a stark manifestation of racial bias and prejudice within the sorority's ranks. President Louis W. Norris, at the helm of Albion College's administration, took a firm stance against the probation, issuing an ultimatum: revoke it or risk the potential dissolution of the Zeta Tau Alpha chapter on campus. This ultimatum thrust the issue into the national spotlight, capturing the attention of media outlets across the country. Amidst the fervor, the Pleiad, Albion College's esteemed student newspaper, played a pivotal role in documenting the unfolding events. However, upon closer examination of their coverage, a concerning trend emerged: the voices of the affected students, notably Cecelia Williams, were noticeably absent. Instead, the narratives primarily reflected the perspectives of college staff and boards, highlighting a glaring disparity in representation. As the debate surrounding Zeta Tau Alpha's probation continued to unfold, it catalyzed a broader discourse on the entrenched prejudices within Greek life organizations. Despite the challenges and controversies, this watershed moment underscored the pressing need for more inclusive practices and narratives within Albion College and beyond.

The Pleiad on 11/10/1967 made their Heading "College Seeks End to Zeta Probation" as a movement to emphasize the college's role in the ZTA situation and The Pleiad's role as well.

In this particular issue, on 3rd November 1967, The Pleiad initially reported an incident involving the Beta Tau chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, stating that the chapter had been placed on probation due to "irregularities" in the initiation process of junior Cecilia Williams.

This piece talks about the affects this incident has had on the current initiated members, new members and alumni. This piece is showing how since the chapter will close, the membership and years invested by current members will be affected but not alumni.

I used this piece to show how the members fought for Cecelia Williams even after knowing the consequences to their actions. This piece talks about the struggle of the students of ZTA Beta Tau chapter as a whole and the fact that Cecelia Williams was not alone in this journey of hers.

This letter to the editor, featured in the same edition where the Pleiad initially covered the Beta Tau probation, serves to provide clarity on the charges leveled against the chapter. It highlights that these charges originated from two alumnae, indicating dissent among individuals formerly associated with the student body.

Notably, the article preceding this one revealed that these alumnae were Zeta alums. Furthermore, the chapter outlines the specifics of their probation and its implications for their immediate future, reassuring readers of their commitment to address the charges. This proactive communication likely stems from the presence of misinformation circulating on campus regarding the situation.

I included this piece as it provides with a lot of information about the charges. But, along with that the piece also provides with a tone and makes the reader see The Beta Tau's frustration and opinion on the topic straight.

"Time Runs Out for Zetas," a publication by the Pleiad Editors on November 17th, 1967, stands out as it offers a fresh perspective on the matter. Rather than solely scrutinizing Zeta Tau Alpha, it broadens its scope to critique the rush and pledging practices of other campus fraternities and sororities.

The Pleiad editors astutely highlight the presence of similarly "questionable procedures" among these groups and speculate on why they haven't faced similar scrutiny. This broader approach sparks a necessary conversation about Greek life, extending beyond the immediate incident to encompass all sororities and fraternities.

The article also candidly discusses the impact of the story on the Pleiad staff, revealing widespread disturbance among its members. This piece commendably acknowledges the strength and courage exhibited by the Beta Tau chapter in confronting adversity, signifying the support and pride extended by the Pleiad towards them.

The alumni board demonstrated unwavering support for both the college's actions towards ZTA throughout the ordeal. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the board aligned itself with the college's decisions, recognizing the necessity of upholding standards and principles within the Greek community.

Their endorsement of the college's actions sent a powerful message of accountability and integrity. The alumni board extended a strong hand of support towards the Beta Tau chapter by doing this. This unified front between the college and its alumni board underscored a shared commitment to upholding the values of the institution and ensuring the well-being and success of its students.

The article "Faculty Supports Local 'Zetas,'" written by Jonathan P. Gosser emphasizes how relevant the events involving Zeta Tau Alpha are to conversations on campus currently. The Pleiad editors deliberately placed this piece at the top of the front page, mirroring earlier coverage, to indicate the increased interest in ZTA at the time. Although it isn't the only topic of discussion, the ZTA probation is nonetheless brought up frequently, indicating its importance in on-campus discourse. Significantly, ZTA's coverage on the Albion campus ends with this article, and it doesn't return. The main article describes a faculty meeting in which Albion's faculty members unanimously endorsed the actions of the former members of Beta Tau and the college's decision to break its affiliation with the national sorority. 

Shivika Bagaria is a 19-year-old sophomore at Albion College and is pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science as part of the Prentiss M. Brown Honors Program. As a student from Nepal, Shivika brings a rich cultural perspective to her studies and campus activities as an international student. She is an active member of the Delta Gamma Zeta Chapter, where she contributes to community service and leadership initiatives. Outside of her academic pursuits, Shivika enjoys exploring new technologies, engaging in coding projects, and participating in campus events. With her passion for learning and diverse background, Shivika is poised to make a significant impact both academically and personally during her time at Albion College.