GDX Pleased to Announce Diversity of New Pledge Class

After the official conclusion of Winter Rush events last week, GDX fraternity inducted eight new brothers. President Dale Lewis, ’15, commented that all of the brothers are extremely excited to welcome the latest class. In fact, Lewis happily announced that these new brothers are the most diverse in GDX history. Lewis says: “The new members represent all walks of life: Mickey and John and Tony are all football players, who traditionally rush GDX. But then you’ve got Luke and Rob, both soccer. Also Stevey and Eric- they’re on basketball. We even extended a bid to a polo player this year.”

Lewis commented on the remarkable diversity: “We really took the findings of President Hanlon’s Diversity Council to heart”. He says the organization realized that they were missing the broader perspective more diversity could bring.  Indeed, the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups, such as baseball players, has really helped the group dynamic. New members have brought fresh ideas: “We were on the fence about extending a bid to this one guy. He only plays club tennis so we were really not sure. Eventually we decided it is 2015, its time to broaden our horizons, even if risks like that make us a little uncomfortable. Anyway, this kid suggests at our first meeting that instead of GDX sweatshirts, we should buy GDX fleeces. Genius, right?” Revolutionary ideas like these are only one of many ways Lewis reports diversity has impacted GDX for the better.

The administration, for its part, has praised GDX’s venerable and progressive pursuit of diversity. Nevertheless, the Dartmouth Greek system still has room for increased inclusiveness, and certain glass ceilings still separate minorities from entering fraternities such as GDX. Commenting on underrepresentation of certain groups, brother Tom Stanley, ’17, says: “I don’t usually like to make generalizations but some people never have and never will fit into GDX. Like, don’t take this the wrong way but … lacrosse players [expletive deleted] suck.”

Nevertheless, for the most part, increased diversity seems to be a long-term goal for GDX. Lewis says that despite being on different teams, football, basketball, soccer and baseball players are really part of one big family, bonded together by a mutual disgust at the thought of the NARP gym. Lewis imagines a not-so-distant future in which fraternities might be defined not by the athletic identity of their brothers, but by the content of their character and kegs.

An admirable dream, indeed.

-RJ ’18