February 22, 2022

By Savvy Sleevar

Graphic by Ava Horton

“Maximize Mizzou,” one of the two slates running for Missouri Students Association president and vice president this month, wants to address Greek Life’s separation from the rest of MU. 

Samantha “Sami” Hole, the slate’s presidential contender, discussed the slate’s plans for Greek Life integration at MU. 

Reporter Savvy Sleevar (SAV): This is mainly a question for Sammy, just because you are currently a member of Greek Life. So, I want to know how you intend to represent both Greek and non-Greek students in your tenure [as MSA president, if elected]. 

MSA Candidate Sami Hole (SAM): We want to help create a more unified campus. [We want Greek and non-Greek students] to attend each other’s events, and [make] sure that there’s a lot of resources and knowledge out there that [shows] you can interact with both. 

SAV: Switching gears a little bit to the idea of Greek Life reform — there have been multiple discussions surrounding Greek Life hazing culture after the near-fatal hazing of Daniel Santulli in October. So, does your slate believe that Greek Life reform is necessary given the circumstances? 

SAMI: I definitely think Greek Life does need [to be] reformed. That is one of the main reasons why I joined Greek Life because, sometimes, you need to reform within the system. My chapter (Sigma Kappa) does not haze, [and] I definitely do think [Greek chapters] can still create bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood without unnecessary “trials.” What [Maximize Mizzou] wants to do is really ensure that the people who are leading these chapters are aware of what’s going on [and] create a safe space for [students in Greek Life] to come to [us] anytime with no judgment — to feel safe and cared for. 

SAV: So, where does your slate think that Greek and non-Greek students can find common ground during your proposed Greek Life integration process? [Would] that be, like, service projects? Homecoming coordination?

SAMI: Yeah, both definitely. One thing that I really want to do is get more non-Greek students involved in Homecoming. A lot of Homecoming rests on the backs of Greek students. And while that’s great if you’re involved in Greek Life, it’s also a tremendous amount of pressure … I want to really encourage other orgs to be able to [partake] in different levels, if not [Greek-specific] traditions, then other levels that are within that — whether that’s getting the residence halls involved [or] the numerous student orgs on campus.

SAV: How will you work with non-Greek student populations that may be hesitant about Greek Life integration, [like students] with biases against the controversial reputation of Greek Life? How are you planning to combat any misconceptions and concerns out there if [Maximize Mizzou is] elected? 

SAMI: I just really hope that I can be an accurate representative of all the good things that can come out of Greek Life. I don’t want to discount fears or claims of any student that they might have against Greek Life. Greek Life is honestly really scary from an outside perspective … I wasn’t in Greek Life for over almost half of my Mizzou experience. [I] know that outside perspective and just want students to feel comfortable. [Concerns about Greek Life] are valid concerns, and they don’t deserve to be swept under the rug. 

Later in the discussion about Maximize Mizzou’s plans to integrate the Greek Life community, Hole said she thinks the slate’s platform would succeed if it is actually implemented. 

The slate’s efforts would not be based on MSA action alone. Instead, Hole said she wants to reach out to other organizations, including the Pan-Hellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council, to solidify lasting Greek Life integration and reform. 

Hole said issues within Greek Life will not be “instantly fixed overnight” but that Maximize Mizzou’s aspiration is to put down the initial groundwork of change. 

Maximize Mizzou’s desire to connect Greek Life with the rest of campus can certainly come to fruition on the surface. As Hole mentioned, increased advertising for mixed attendance at events would provide Greek and non-Greek students with a common goal, such as participating in service work for the annual Caring for Columbia volunteer project. 

In terms of feasibly accomplishing their broader Greek Life goals, however, it will not be a matter of finding common ground between the slate and Greek chapters. Instead, the challenge will rest in the logistics of building a brand-new foundation of reform, mutual trust and cooperation that would transform the way Greek organizations interact with other groups. 

Use this link to submit questions for the candidates to answer at the debate: https://forms.gle/ot2inTXzRbb2aBFMA

Edited by Emmet Jamieson | ejamieson@themaneater.com