Diversity and Acceptance at Elon

<p>Great post! I love that Hillel events are open to all students and non-Jewish students do attend. I am impressed that the new Jewish fraternity ZBT has about 30% non-Jewish brothers and several who are African American. My son was accepted to live in the Better Together learning community this year - promoting interaction and understanding between different religious faiths - and would have done so had a fraternity house option not opened up. I see Elon promoting ways to limit self-segregation.</p>

<p>My former boss was an Elon student in the 1960s and the stories he has to tell about the racial and religious climate in the South and at Elon at that time are chilling and sad. Elon has come so far and put so much deliberate effort into creating a diverse and welcoming campus - but each individual student is still ultimately responsible for their own words and actions.</p>

<p>Just a few months ago - I had an experience where a co-worker who I like and respect used the phrase “Jew me down” when complaining about a price negotiation with a customer. Did I see this as a reflection on our employer? No. I simply told him that it was a unacceptable expression and to please refrain from using it. He was embarrassed and apologized. End of story. And we both moved on.</p>

<p>rockvillemom, yes, things are changing for the better. No question about that! I do very much believe that the administrators at Elon want an inclusive, diverse community. The challenge is how to achieve that. It’s tricky.</p>

<p>I am sorry your co-worker said something so insensitive and I am a little bit in shock that anyone would use that term today! It’s wonderful that you were able to explain to that person that he used an unacceptable term, and I am even more happy to hear that he responded with humility. And, of course, it’s not your employer’s fault that happened. </p>

<p>But I have to wonder if your feelings about this would be different if, for instance, you heard a half dozen or more of the same or similar comments about Jewish people from other colleagues over the course of a few months. I have to believe you would think “Wow, what the heck is going on here? Where is all of this coming from?” Even worse, in this scenario, you know that other colleagues overheard this stuff and sat back and said nothing. </p>

<p>At that point, I would imagine you would definitely file a complaint with your HR office, and hold the company to some level of responsibility. After all, it’s not up to you to educate people one by one about anti-Semitism and tolerance, is it?</p>

<p>Not Rockvillemom, but Jewish and here’s my 2 cents. I don’t want to see your daughter or any young person be unhappy. Regardless of how much progress has been made at her college, if it isn’t right for her, then I hope she can find a place that is.</p>

<p>Rockvillemom presented an example of dealing with an antisemitic comment gracefully. There are other situations that could be more difficult. I don’t see the point in extensively presenting different scenarios of antisemitism or injustice in the world here on this thread. It isn’t anything decent people want to see for anyone. I think we have enough examples of baseless hatred in the world already.</p>

<p>Yes, it is up to me to bring tolerance into this world, and yes, one by one, starting with me.</p>

<p>Pennylane2011, are you the parent of a minority student at Elon? From what vantage point are you speaking?</p>

<p>I mentored a minority student who wanted to attend Elon but for financial reasons is not there. Since I am invested in this student’s welfare, I have paid close attention to the college. No other ties.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for answering. I hope the question was not intrusive. I also hope the minority student is doing well at another university of his or her choice and is doing well.</p>

<p>Thanks for asking about the student. Yes, in college. So far doing well and seems very happy.</p>

<p>I appreciate everyone’s input. It’s great to read that things at Elon are improving - moving forward. There’s a lot of discussion about antisemitism and people of color - and again, it’s great incidents are being treated seriously. </p>

<p>Thanks again, for all of the replies!</p>

<p>Hey everyone , I was wondering which school I should choose. My choices are Clemson , Elon University, and the college of charleston in South Carolina . In my opinion Elon is a good school but too small . C of C is in the perfect location but not too popular . Clemson is a little big , popular , and nice location ! Which one though</p>

<p>Esilver, have you visited all three? If you did, visit again, talk with students, attend a class. Spend some time on each campus. The 3 schools are very different in feel, rankings, location. Elon is small enough to really get involved and know professors, but big enough to offer many opportunities, especially in terms of research, internships and study abroad.</p>

<p>You will only know what is right for you by spending some time and seeing what your gut tells you.</p>

<p>good luck</p>

<p>It would be interesting to hear how Elon choose ZBT- founded as a Jewish fraternity but no longer committed to Jewish learning and leadership over the more actively Jewish AEPi that the boys were trying to start up. I’d appreciate hearing that from anyone. </p>

<p>Last spring, 3 Jewish fraternities came to campus and gave presentations to the interested students and the administration. It was AEPi, ZBT and one other whose name escapes me. It’s true that when the founding group of boys started their push for a Jewish fraternity, they referred to themselves as AEPi. It was a bit of a surprise when the administration chose ZBT - but it is the same group of boys - so I’m not sure how much difference the actual Greek organization makes. </p>

<p>ZBT does not permit any hazing and there is no pledge class - so that is a plus. They do a lot of religious activities in conjunction with Elon’s Hillel. I see social activities, but also plenty of community service and leadership. No complaints here - I think it is a great addition to the Elon campus.</p>