GRL separates from national sorority to pursue activism

Members of Gamma Rho Lambda plan to look further toward social justice.

By Megan Stroup

Published May 7, 2009

MU's Gamma Rho Lambda colony has separated from the national organization, representatives from the sorority's headquarters said.

Sara Montion, Gamma Rho Lambda National Sorority spokeswoman, said the MU Delta colony was in the final phase of becoming a chapter when it chose to separate from the national organization.

During the process of becoming a chapter, prospective colonies must submit a chapter petition that outlines the colony's achievements. Each member of the colony is also asked to examine why they want to join Gamma Rho Lambda, Montion said.

At a point during the self-examination process, members of the Delta colony determined they no longer wanted to be a Greek organization.

Instead of focusing on Greek Life, women in the MU colony wanted to focus on political activities.

"While Gamma Rho Lambda does understand the importance of political activism for LGBTQ issues and rights, it is not our primary focus," Montion said.

The Alpha chapter of Gamma Rho Lambda was formed at Arizona State University in 2003 to provide a social support system for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and alternative lifestyle-friendly students.

"Members and allies of the LGBTQ community face homophobia within their own families, work environments and classrooms every day," Montion said. "Our goal is to support our members in the face of these intolerances."

MU Delta colony President Yantézia Patrick said there were no particular problems with the national organization that she can comment on at this time.

"The overarching reason for our departure was a desire to reach beyond the LGBTQIA community and be a real face of social justice on our own campus," Patrick said.

The colony will no longer be recognized as Gamma Rho Lambda at MU, but the women plan to continue to be a presence on campus. The members also intend on working with other organizations on campus to accomplish their goals.

"There are other groups on campus that need their fellow students to be a voice for them," Patrick said. "We are willing to take on that role."

Nationally, Gamma Rho Lambda has two active chapters at Arizona State University and San Diego State University. GRL colonies are located at California State University-Northridge; University of California-Los Angeles and Kansas State University.

"While we are sad to see Mizzou go, we applaud them for their drive to be politically active," Montion said. "Mizzou gave us the opportunity to learn some valuable lessons, which we can use to improve and strengthen our organization."