Many of Baker University’s female students choose to make the commitment of joining a sorority. Soon, these women will have another option when making that decision.

The addition of Zeta Phi Beta is more than just another choice for Baker’s women. It is the first installment of a historically black greek organization on Baker’s campus and is just one of many steps which has the potential to continue the university’s progressive mission in providing higher education to students of all backgrounds, races and cultures.

Zeta Phi Beta, though a historically black organization, is open to all women. Its arrival on campus signals a move toward diversifying campus, not segregating it.

At the same time, the sorority’s historical inclination toward minority women will provide a place where Baker’s minority women students and prospective students can look to feel more at home.

Baker, as a progressive liberal arts university, looks to recruit minority students in its attempt to offer higher education in a diverse and cultured setting. Having a greater organized representation of Baker’s minority students can help retain these students.

As well, the mission of Zeta Phi Beta differs from the current sororities on Baker’s campus.

While it is still a social organization, Zeta Phi Beta places more focus on community service and service learning than on socializing, which will once again provide more options to women who rush.

In all, the Baker Orange editorial staff feels that this is a great move for the university and all of its students, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or background.