After a year of controversy over a segregated Greek system, the University of Alabama's (UA) student government has finally voted for integration.
According to the Crimson White, the UA Student Government Association (SGA) voted last Thursday in favor of integrating the school's Greek system. SGA President Hamilton Bloom proposed the resolution and the vote also upheld the Elections Board's penalties against Vice President of Student Affairs Stephen Keller.
"I believe the resolution passed tonight is a great solution," Bloom said in a statement. "My administration and I are dedicated to seeing and encouraging results in the integration of both fraternities and sororities, and I believe the resolution passed tonight, in addition to the Diversity Caucus which will be introduced soon, are incredible first steps."
The UA student-run newspaper published a piece in Sept. 2013 detailing two anonymous black girls' bids to enter a sorority. At least one was an ideal candidate, but the story authors revealed neither was accepted because the UA Greek system is still segregated. What's more is the story broke 50 years after Vivian Malone and James Hood became the first black students on UA's campus.
Since, there has been pressure on the school to change its ways immediately, but a group called the Machine has reportedly blocked SGA members from proposing resolutions. The Crimson White reported the Machine is made up of 28 fraternities and sororities and all of them are "traditionally white."
Machine members pay $850 per semester, so the group is always well funded and they nominate and back candidates for SGA senate and other executive offices.
"I am proud of the Senate's dedication to integration," Bloom said in his statement. "Although our University has come very far over the past two semesters, we still have a long road ahead, and my administration is fully dedicated to seeing and encouraging results."
The SGA also upheld a penalty of 75 hours of community service against Keller, who was found responsible of violating the "spirit of fair campaign," the Crimson White reported. The Elections Board previously learned he and his staff distributed several fliers on election day.
