As part of Coming Out Week, an open workshop and discussion on how to make your Greek chapter safer was hosted in the Union, titled “Coming Out Greek Style—How to Make Your Chapter Safer.”

Jeff Devereaux, the president of the Multicultural Greek Council held a discussion-based presentation on how Greek organizations should make their chapters safer and friendlier for members of the LGBT community.

The presentation covered the challenges LGBT members face within the Greek community, such as not fitting in with the norms of Greek life, along with the expectations held by those involved within the Greek community.

Going into the discussion, those involved were asked to be respectful and challenge the preconceptions they had when they walked into the room.

“I think it’s an important message,” Devereaux said. “We need to always strive to make our Greek chapters more inclusive for both the Greek community and not with the Greek community.”

Perceptions are being changed on Greek Life’s part and there are suggestions being taken to make this happen.

Steps Greek chapters can take include educating fellow Greek members on making chapters safer, for the chapters to become Safe Zone trained, doing educational programs, collaborating to become more involved and making a commitment to making the Greek chapters safer for the LGBT community.

“The event really went well tonight. I thought it was really important that we talk about this,” Devereaux said. “This is something that needs to be talked about in the Greek community. The attendance tonight showed a little bit how much it’s valued in this community, but the people that were the right people and the people who needed to hear this message.”