More Greek houses voted to fly rainbow flags for Lambda's PRIDE Week than ever before, a fact seen by some students as a reflection of strengthening support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Inter-sex community here on campus.
"The number of Greek chapters hanging flags and contributing otherwise to PRIDE Week has been unprecedented, and it is obvious that this campus is becoming a progressive beacon for the rest of Nashville and Tennessee to follow," said senior Klint Peebles, president of Lambda.
Nevertheless, some members of the Greek community on campus worry that although though they agree with Lambda's agenda, it is unfair to ask houses to fly a flag supporting what some see as a political cause.
"It was expressed in our chapter that Greek organizations shouldn't have to make political statements, and it's unfair that if we choose not to fly the flag, we are seen as bigots," said senior A.J. Axelrod, a fraternity member. "I don't really buy that, but it was a concern expressed in our house."
"I think that if you put it up you support gay rights, but if you don't, it doesn't mean you don't," said junior Edward Bryan in response to the idea that chapters will be seen as "bigots" if they do not hang the flag.
Other students, though, do not agree that flying a rainbow flag is a political statement.
"I think it's just a way to show support for a different group on campus - just like supporting baseball or the basketball team," said junior Jessica Walder, member of a sorority.
However, making an executive decision on an issue that some consider political and others view as a symbol of support and solidarity has caused disagreement and discomfort within some of the chapters.
"In the end, exec made the call and decided to fly the flag. I'm proud of that decision, but it was definitely tough for some people to deal with," Axelrod said.
"There are several hundred people in one organization, so it's hard to have one cohesive viewpoint," said junior Kelly Hibbard, member of a sorority.
Despite the differing views on what the flag may represent, the fact remains that the majority of sororities and eight fraternities are flying it.
Aside from Greek organizations, many other communities and organizations have elected to visibly show their support for the LGBTQI community.
"With the rainbow flag campaign, we have reached out to those organizations with physical buildings on campus that could hang or fly a flag in order to promote visibility," Peebles said. Such additional organizations include but are not limited to: both National Pan-Hellenic Council houses on campus, the Vanderbilt Student Government office, McGill Hall, all houses on The Commons, the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center, Sarratt Student Center, the Student Life Center and International Student and Scholar Services.
According to Peebles, there exists a certain type of organization that has historically tended to show more support towards the LGBTQI community - but this may not always be the case.
"The multicultural and diversity-oriented organizations have previously been more likely to support a campaign such as this one as most marginalized groups tend to show solidarity with each other ... but (this year) the heterosexual community and our allies have been much more supportive and we are honored to have the support of the Greek system," Peebles said.
Thanks to the increased support of the Greek system and all other participating organizations, this year's PRIDE Week will mark a historic landmark for the LGBTQI community at Vanderbilt.
"Lambda truly wishes to express its sincerest thanks to the Greek system for its efforts to commemorate this week and support all students regardless of their differences," Peebles said.
