Greek Plots Relocated Despite Protests

The Vice-President of Student Affairs and Administration, Dr. Jeffrey A. Smith announced in late January, plans to relocate Greek plots. However, as construction behind the school is taking place, on-campus Greeks are fighting to keep their plots in the original location.

The administration made the decision to relocate them and also, allowed current Greek members to become a part of the process of designing the new plots. Iota Phi Theta fraternity member, Marcus White, along with the ideas of Greek life members work to design the plots after a rigorous meeting to decide how the new plots would look . "At least they (administration) let the Greeks design it themselves, rather the school putting something together that does not look good." Marcus White said.

According to Dr. Yancy, Shaw University's President, said "This would be the new start of Greek Life and give the students their own space." In the past the moving of the plots is not uncommon. For those who do not know Dr. Yancy previously worked at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC where this same incident happened and she moved the Greek plots to a similar location and structure.

Akin to history, Shaw University's fraternities and sororities have faced the same struggles. The whole Divine 9 (all National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations) is located at Shaw University. The Greeks generate a lot of student participation with on campus events.  . "What is the point of moving the plots? They are not a problem. The school has bigger problems to worry about rather than moving the Greek plots" said Shirnetta Alexander, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

In January, It was said that Shaw University executives were trying to remove fraternity and sorority plots from main campus, also known as The Quad,where they are the centerpiece of the Quad. When walking up over the bridge you immediately see to your left the Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha's plot. Murals & brick paintings surround their territory. By the old cafeteria's location you can find the plots of Phi Beta Sigma and their sisters Zeta Phi Beta which these organizations has planted trees in the area to show their history. These grounds show the discrete and powerful history of Shaw University and its common stand for its Greek unity pride.These pieces of land have been in the works since the early 1970s and the land is a part of Shaw University's history. For many of these reasons many of the Greeks believe Shaw University would be taking a piece of history from the school by moving the plots.   

According to Shaw University executives, the plan is to move the plots to a location behind Fleming-Kee dormitory. The space will also be shared with the band as well as the baseball team. All Greek plots will be connected by a sidewalk. In the middle, the Greeks will share a unity plot. The unity plot is open to all National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) members.

No word on what will happen to the current location of where the plots used to be.

(See photos: New layout plans for the new plots. (Used courtesy of Skylar Davis)