ASUI Sen. Ismael Mendoza has put forward a proposal advocating for a space on campus the Multi-Cultural Greek Council can call its own.
Mendoza said Greek row is dedicated to houses that fall in either the Inter-Fraternity or Panhellenic council, which gives them their own designated areas. Because of this, Mendoza said he hopes multi-cultural organizations will also be able to have a dedicated on-campus space.
“Many of the multi-cultural Greek organizations are Latinx based, but not Latinx exclusive,” Mendoza said. “They are open to everyone.”
In the proposal, Mendoza said other universities such as University of Iowa have taken the initiative to provide multi-cultural organization their own space on campus. Mendoza said these spaces are very similar to spaces already at the University of Idaho such as the Crest or Aurora rooms located in the Idaho Commons. These spaces are typically still used for other events after dedication, he said, but multi-cultural Greek organizations have priority for events and meetings.
Eddie Celis, a member of Lambda Theta Phi, said he believes the potential for a space like this is limitless.
“This proposed space will be one of the milestones that contributes to the original mission for their students to have a place to call their own and feel more recognized by the university,” Celis said. “This physical presence even has the potential to bring awareness that this option exists for students interested in Greek Life and introduce them to these organization that all value cultural awareness, academic achievement, leadership, development and community engagement.”
Mendoza also said he thinks there should be an outside space dedicated to multi-cultural Greek life that students will be able to see when they are out campus in between classes.
“Having a space outside is due to the fact that saluting, stepping and strolling are all very important to the culture of multi-cultural Greek organizations,” Mendoza said.
“The Commons Courtyard is already used for many multicultural events, such as the Nexo Courtyard Competition put on by Sigma Lambda Gamma, a competition for saluting, strolling and stepping,” Mendoza said.
“It can be a space where ideas are created, concerns are addressed, and partnerships are developed,” Celis said. “It will eliminate barriers that typical Fraternities and Sororities do not face and allow for these organization to focus more on actual event planning that make the university a better place for everyone, rather than having to worry about room reservations and meetup spots.”
Mendoza said he would like the space to be used for new member presentations and showcasing talent. In the proposal, Mendoza said Texas Christian University was the first to have pillars created to represent the National Pan-Hellenic Council which historically included African-American Greek Organizations. Washington State University has multi-cultural plaques on the patio of their Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center.
Currently Mendoza is in the process of deciding what offices on campus to present the proposal. He said he is also looking for a senator to continue the project next semester, as his ASUI Senate term ends this semester.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell