Current dialogue concerning sexual assault has been extremely relevant and ever increasing at Bucknell and in society at large. The issue is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, with the goal of long-term meaningful solutions involved. On Thursday, September 11, 2014 a petition letter was written and sent out by a number of Bucknell students and faculty who had something to say about sexual assault and Bucknell. They were writing a letter on the grounds of being concerned about Sigma Chi fraternity’s register theme that was planned for Saturday, September 13, 2014. The theme was called “A Night at the Mansion,” an annual reoccurring theme for Sigma Chi’s first register of the season. The letter signatories were upset about this theme because they thought “Playboy is a pornographic magazine that commodofies women’s bodies” and therefore this theme is disrespectful towards women and inconsistent with Bucknell’s community values. The letter included an excerpt from the fraternity’s Facebook page, explaining the details of the event. The author or authors of the letter then pointed towards the suggested dress code for women where the fraternity men advised that the ladies attending should, “dust off those bunny ears and black yoga pants” in order to gain entry to the party. Well over 100 people with a mix of students, faculty members, and SpeakUp peer advisors signed, supported, and stood by the letter. It not only was addressed to Sigma Chi, Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council, but it was also sent to Dean Lantz (Dean of Students), Public Safety, Padma Ravichandran, and President Bravman. As a proud feminist and avid supporter of women’s rights I am disappointed about the content and focus of this letter, and wish to offer my personal opinion on the situation.
I think that this anonymously started letter was written with good intentions to keep our campus’ women safe and respected. I agree that our fraternity men have a big responsibility when they choose register themes. They are expected to choose with respect and be aware of what is appropriate and inappropriate. However, I think this letter and its language was actually hurtful and disrespectful towards women. The letter referenced Playboy characterizing it as “pornographic magazine that commodofies women’s bodies.” Playboy is in fact, not a pornographic entity, and is defined by the company as a “tastemaker, an arbiter of style and a vanguard for political, sexual and economic freedom for almost 60 years.” It is a magazine that has featured iconic female celebrities starting with Marilyn Monore, a personal role model and vocal supporter of women and women’s happiness. Other strong, significant women posed for the cover such as Madonna and Goldie Hawn in 1985, Drew Barrymore in 1995, Denise Richards in 2004, and many more. I certainly would not call these women “porn stars” or say that they represent a certain type of woman. The letter continued to argue that this theme “fuels the atmosphere of sexual assault that is already a severe problem on this campus.” I think it is counter-productive and incorrect to link women’s costume-themed outfits to reasons or causes of sexual misconduct. I am alarmed if yoga pants or bunny ears are considered “degrading” or misogynistic component in outfits, and I think it’s unfair to label this clothing as such.
I understand that Playboy is a brand that many people do not support or see as appropriate, but being a Playboy model or bunny is a career. And it is a life path that many women choose to follow. The core of my feminist ideology stems from the idea that freedom is the right to choice. Women’s freedom and women’s equality means that women can choose whatever life path is suitable for them, and it is no one else’s business or concern. Therefore women, and humans at-large, should be supporting all women’s choices and actions and not rush into calling something “degrading” just because it may seem strange or unusual. Women have jurisdiction over their own bodies, and I see nothing wrong if they choose to use them in order to create a career or achieve life goals.
I understand that this theme could still seem offensive to some for their own personal reasons. That is totally valid, I think those voices would have been best heart if they confided their concerns to the Chapter President of Sigma Chi, personally. I think a letter or petition could have been crafted in a more general sense. I still respect, appreciate, and value the opinion of those who wrote and signed the letter. I can say from personal experience that it is not easy to promote an unpopular opinion, so for that I commend them.
Sigma Chi President, Michael Sahagian (15’) reached out to the students and faculty that wrote the letter. Sahagian expressed his deepest apologies and made it known that the fraternity did not mean to offend anyone or demean women. I do not know many of the Sigma Chi fraternity members, but I can say with steady confidence that each one I do know has treated my friends and I with nothing but respect since the first day I’ve met them. They continue to make me feel comfortable and welcomed at each of their gatherings, and for that I am grateful.
For full reading of the letter:Letter of 9/13/14