The world, or rather the darker side of social media, finds itself in chaos as a young lady who recently pledged Delta Sigma Theta at Howard University this year has shared her denouncement letter with the public. In this letter, she elaborates on the disturbing events that unfolded during her intake process, which contradicted the teachings of God and went against His commandments, despite the organization claiming to be Christian-based. If you go on google, there are plenty of photos of the initiation process, statements, and and step by step directions for the private ceremony that happens before the probate that the public gets to see. As expected, followers of the culture and the sorority have embarked on a witch hunt to scrutinize the young woman’s personal testimonial. Some have even stated that the girl should transfer schools, insinuating that she can be harmed for his decision. This situation reminded me of my mother’s disapproving gaze when I first broached the same subject after discovering the truth – the spirit of offense lingers heavily in the air.
Linked below here is a video uploaded by a Tik Toker with the user handle Laverne, she states. “I know a few ladies personally that didn’t make line, that were legacies that really really wanted it, and they were so disappointed, so it was bittersweet you know. so i’m thinking about those ladies today that really wanted it but didn’t make line. Imagine having to wake up to this. This is an open letter denouncing the sorority by one of the young ladies who just crossed not even a month ago.” She continues, “In my 31 years in Delta, I have never seen nothing like this. The denounciation trend is nonsense anyway, but this young lady who just crossed decided that she was going to write an open letter to nationals and then broadcast it to everyone. you know because God and Jesus and her values. I absolutely cannot. I’m gone need big Delta to do something about this. Maybe start screening these ladies. Maybe we need psyche evaluations for some people. This is absolutely ridiculous.”
The video is linked above. These are some of the comments under the video about the letter,
From users,
J. Will the Queen: “D9 sister I agree with you. I’m furious it’s extremely hard to get picked in the Alpha chapters I know so many young ladies that would love to have had that opportunity that didn’t get it or want it.”
AuthoressCReynolds: “I’m a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. however my sister is a Delta and my daughter is an AKA. To denounce publicly is ridiculous! I don’t understand. Just walk away if feel like it”
D4Diva DRod: “They are either mental or have an agenda. I agree you crossed quietly, denounce quietly. I’m not Greek and feel some kind of way.”
SHEletics: “I feel the exact same Soror….same sentiments while watching this line as I knew a young lady who did not make that line! These young ladies (& some older) have mental & spiritual infractions”
flo: “on a serious note how are you handling this mentally i know its hard for those who been in dst incorporated to see this”
LoveWins: “What is scared is that they have access to the most sacred things about the org. I’m an AKA and a I know a legacy denounced. Her momma was crushed.”
Danielle Marie: “Firstly, hey Soror, Secondly it is a sad time. What are these young ladies doing/going through?? Just drop line.”
T. Bell: “Sister Greek I don’t get it. I am with you when you said it seems like infiltration/orchestrating an agenda … I don’t like it. I hope the NPHC as whole does better.”
designerd22: “Every candidate has a list of phone numbers /emails and a Delta that wrote their letter to confide in. She could have left at any time quietly! Let’s pray that she follows Gods rule ”Thy shall not lie”
SimplyShae: “Right!! I’m fighting for my life finishing my degree & getting my coin together so I can one day try😫 & They WASTING SPACE”
Taylor Charisse: “When folks bring IG into it and start posting lies it becomes OUR businesses. You could have stayed home the whole time.”
There was a divide on the internet with some people defending the girl’s decision to be public about her denouncement. Some of the comments read,
LavishedFaces: “How you mad all of this goes against her values and beliefs and she decides to publicly stated HER reasonings of denouncing, yall are ridiculous! Her words speaks volume and yall hate it.”
docmagoo: “I applaud her courage even after the fact. She moved on her convictions and provided scripture. Let it go.”
Rachel Motley: “thankfully she’s not left to answer to anyone but God for her convictions. I hope she has the support she needs during this time”
johnclark4k: “She did the right thing “
LET’S TALK ABOUT JUSTICE:” Sounds like you’re apart of a gang and you’re calling the other gang members to unite and go get them”
CALI…k: “Bow to no one but God”
How can strangers give more grace to the girl who pledged to share their bond of sisterhood, when the women that were suppose to be her “sisters” are trying to threaten her life and implement measures to get her arrested?
What is the Spirit of Offense?
What is the spirit of offense? The Bible defines the spirit of offense as an easily provoked or disheartened spirit by the words or actions of others, leading to bitterness and resentment. It often manifests as a negative attitude towards others and a reluctance to forgive. Why does this negativity and lack of forgiveness come from a group whose organizational mission is centered around service? Could it be more self-serving than selfless? When the stronghold of offense takes hold, our actions resemble worldly values more than those guided by the Holy Spirit. It’s crucial to protect your heart from the spirit of offense. The God of the Bible emphasizes love and acceptance of all unique individuals within the body of Christ through the Holy Spirit. So why do sororities and fraternities seek to mold individuals into a single entity during their initiation process? This strips away individuality and imposes a uniform standard on all members.
According to an article by the psychology of defense published by sagu.edu, “Insecurities” are one of the primary reasons people take offense. Insecurities stem from one’s self-concept, thoughts, and feelings about oneself. When the self-concept is challenged, doubts about one’s identity arise, leading to insecurities. Are members of this organization upset because the young lady and many others who have openly severed ties with the organization are speaking out under the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Or is it because those who remain have intertwined their self-perceptions with the organization’s identity and their irrational behavior towards those who decided to denounce is being controlled by something we can’t see? Just something to think about.
A History of the “Upper Echelon”
Sororities and fraternities have long been touted as avenues for students to shape their identities, yet they also serve to set members apart from the rest of the student body. Adorned with unique letters and symbols, these groups create a sense of exclusivity that can breed favoritism and division. This aura of distinction can elevate one’s sense of self to new heights, basking in the glory of Greek life’s revered status.
Why are sororities and fraternities REALLY upset?
The recent uproar begs the question: are critics taking aim at those who denounce and reject the facade of superiority, or are they incensed by the exposure of closely guarded rituals, harboring disdain for those deemed unworthy? Perhaps it’s a fear of identity erosion that fuels the anger. It seems to be a mix of all three. In the midst of this debate, the words of John 15:12-13 resonate: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Yet, the online discourse seems devoid of love, instead fostering animosity towards those who challenge the status quo. If we are all created equal in the eyes of God, why do we allow pride to cloud our vision?
Excessive pride blinds us to our true selves, turning us into boastful figures who belittle others to inflate our own worth. This inflated sense of self can pave the way for wrath, as pride and anger often go hand in hand, fueling conflicts. Pride, deemed the root of all sins, embodies the devil’s essence, leading us down a treacherous path of self-righteousness and discord.
In one video, from a user with the name imalawyerinreallife, she states ideas of how all greek lettered organizations can protect their organizations, recommending that the intake process should include the signing of an non disclosure agreement. Is it that serious to where you have to limit a individual persons freedom of speech. are trying to protect the legacy of your organization or trying to silence the people of God that make a grave error by not knowing all of the details after you have sleep deprived them through the hazing process? This is what she says in the video. Watch below:
The women of the organization wasted no time gathering in the comments to publicly shame all former members who decided to follow the spirit of their truth.
Two users who appear to be members responded,
Rich Goddess: “I always wondered why we didn’t have NDAs”
Shanta K.: “And they will, legal actions were implemented at our last convention…mama delta finna drag her ass!🤷🏽♀️”
While another user who did not appear to be a stan of the organization responded.
Parasocial_Comnentary: “NDAs pose a serious threat to membership sustainability. More transparency is the actual answer here. Removing veil so that folks understand what they are truly signing up for is the only solution.”
Conclusion
Amidst this turmoil, one must ponder: why does a simple Instagram post spark such fervent reactions? Why does what someone post on their personal profile, have you ready to get them harmed, because they didn’t comply to your standard of ethics and morals. It seems like when a person chooses to denounce from a greek lettered organization, it seems like it could be in comparison with a messy divorce. That’s what happens when you form a covenant with anything that is not of God and has the wrong spirit rooted within the foundation, affecting its members. It could get messy and most importantly dangerous, without any regard for empathy for the bond that once was. Could it be a reflection of deeper spiritual unrest, a clash between the ethereal and the earthly realms? As we navigate this maze of pride, identity, and conflict, let us remember to tread lightly, guided by love and humility in a world fraught with discord.
– Kayla Rhodes, Adolessons Archive
