Maladjusted Podcast
Greek Life & The Good Society
Men of Good Will
Southern, Methodist, University
by Shara Jeyarajah
Does Greek life belong in Dr. King’s “good society”? Greek life is almost synonymous with social life at SMU. When nearly 43% of undergraduates identify with a Greek organization, it is critical to examine the racist origins of IFC and Panhellenic organizations.In conversation with students of different racial identities and Greek council affiliations, Shara unpacks a persisting legacy of injustice. The episode ends with a discussion about reform versus abolition as potential solutions to systemic racism in Greek life. Follow the link for shownotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yA91TrBUwjbaQtw484BS-cBDBIPNkdwwMrXv2X3Jk/edit
In 1948, the Daily Campus Newspaper published the headline “Students Favor Race Segregation.” In 1952, five Black students quietly desegregated Perkins— much to the dismay of Perkins himself. Learn about the Men of Good Will that desegregated SMU. Additionally, an interview with Jerry LeVias: the first Black football player in the Southwestern Conference recounts lessons from on and off the field. Finally, hear how SMU Black Student Athlete Committee leaders carry on the tradition of Maladjusted Black athletes. Follow the link for additional resources on today's episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19dv89pUfqp_z7MbcqQ9cHsHR9e5zRPNYGG29mQkOBf0/edit
There was a moment when the history of American Civil Rights and the history of SMU collided: when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to a standing-room only crowd on March 17, 1966. At the time, our university had barely waded into the waters of desegregation. So… how did we get there? It’s complicated. In the first episode of Maladjusted, let’s walk through the racist founding of our university, the early years of race and racism at SMU, and Dr. King’s visit. Click here for additional resources about today's episode.
America is in the throes of a national racial reckoning. In an era where people across the country have paused to examine the role that their systems play in perpetuating racism, Southern Methodist University is not exempt. Shara Jeyarajah, a third-year student and SMU Human Rights Fellow, explores the history of Southern Methodist University through a racial justice lens. From President R. Gerald Turner to students across Greek councils, Shara interviews SMU community members across races and generations to reflect on all that has changed since the era of desegregation-- and all that hasn't. Maladjusted doesn't shy away from the difficult conversations. For instance, what does the name of our university have to do with slavery? Why isn't Greek life as diverse as the rest of campus? What's the difference between the experiences of Black students in the 1960s versus the 2020s? Does SMU have a place in a truly antiracist society? Together, let's tell the truth about our history.