Fraternity members snubbed Delta Zeta during Greek traditions, such as “Flower-Ins,” during which men present women with flowers. Holloway said turnout at Delta Zeta talent shows and fundraising events was poor.
Years of disappointment led to a member vote in August to close the DePauw chapter.
Sororities and fraternities routinely close temporarily to regroup amid membership troubles. But Holloway said national groups often seek openings at DePauw, and Delta Zeta had no guarantee it would regain its former spot.
Hence, closing wasn’t an option for the national sorority, she said.
“We’re the second-oldest DZ chapter open,” Holloway said. “They’re really big on the preservation of this chapter, especially because 2009 is the centennial.”
In November, the sorority’s national headquarters conducted a membership review, which involved interviews with members of the DePauw chapter. Many of them wore pantsuits, as if they were heading to job interviews.
The last straw for Holloway was a recruiting event in November for DePauw freshmen, for which “blond” and “skinny” sorority members from Indiana University were brought in.
She quit that night.
The eviction notices came three weeks later.
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