The events that has taken place over the past couple of weeks on the campus of UTM is a disgrace.

The events in which I am speaking of are the Zeta Tau Alpha members stealing and vandalizing other people’s property and getting away with it. Also, these so-called “prestious” and “traditonal” black Greek fraternities and sororities selling steps to white Greek fraternities and sororities .

First off, theft is stealing and is a crime. These young women of the Zeta Tau Alpha involved should not been able to participate in any activities during Greek Week.

Where I am from, if you get caught stealing, you get arrested. Even if the Chi Omega Sorority came to an agreement to forgive you, the police should have locked up those responsible. That is what happens in real life.

I have fraternity brothers who were caught stealing prior to this situation. I am not proud of it, and they did suffer the consequences of their actions. I can tell you this, Pacer readers, the situation was not handled the same at all.

They did receive their degrees, however they could not receive them here on the campus of UTM. They were banned from campus indefinitely and community service hours were given to them.

The women of Zeta Tau Alpha involved in the incident only got a “tap on the hand.” Ms. “Vee” told them they cannot participate in the Steppin’ Show as their only form of punishment. That is insane.

To top off the story, they went to the SGA and Dr. High to get the punishment lifted. I did not want to make this a minority/ majority issue, but it obviously is just that.

I feel that the minority students get justice when we do wrong or make a judgment error; we go to jail, get fines and restrictions/ limitations. I feel that the majority do not receive justice.

The majority have the right to break the law, and not a thing happens to them. They are free to walk around as if nothing happened.

No, sitting out a step show is not a real form of punishment, Ms. Vee is being nice to you all. Therefore, if a minority get caught stealing and vandalizing, we should get the same “punishment” as the ZTA members, right?

I still remember last semester, an Asian student, who was a senior, pants fell down and the University kicked him out of school and his dorm and into the streets, leaving him thousands of miles away from home.

He had no prior criminal record or disciplinary record at the university, and was not a troublemaker but UTM did not care at all. If not for caring staff workers we have at UTM, the student would have had to sleep outside until he received a ticket to get back home. Thanks, Ms. Kao for taking him into your home.

I suggest this to the University officials; make believers out of these majority criminals and show them that justice should not be prejudice. NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!!

The African-American Greeks need to wake up. Look at the Pacer, do you see yourself anywhere in there representing during Greek Week?

We were at the door contributing at the Step Show, we help set up the week and we are the cause of the success of the Steppin’ Show.

I do not understand how a organization can give up your heritage, tradition, and our sense of expression any for amount of money. Any organization who has done this is a complete sellout. Black greeks are selling the soul of their fraternity/sorority.

We are accepted when it comes to line dancing, we are allowed to win that particular event, when it comes to the big money Steppin’ Show, we are seen represented, but I notice some steps look very familiar. It is no secret that black fraternities/sororities are selling steps to white fraternities/sororities. Why are there no black organizations there to win?

I can answer that question. Either we are scared of white competition or we are not wanted in the competition.

Our forefathers would love to see us on stage with our white brothers and sisters in friendly competition. We have been backstage long enough.

Black greeks, before you sell out the heart and soul of your organization time and time again, remember, be proud and respectful of our heritage and take charge of the men/women we are. The reward will be priceless.

Anthony Rasean Broussard is a senior Health Human Performance Licensure major from Covington, Tenn.