EDITORIAL: OWLS

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Reborn organization should be careful to avoid elitist tendencies

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Rice University is supposed to be devoid of fraternities and sororities. Instead it has the college system, which divides the student body into inclusive, cohesive social units.

Therefore, it is potentially disturbing that the Owen Wister Literary Society is being revived. Literary societies were, are and should be clubs that actually involve discussion of literature, in conjunction with service and fellowship.

The new OWLS should monitor itself very carefully lest it develop into what it and other "lits" became of old: a sorority in everything but name, replete with exclusive, elitist rituals like rushing and initiating. One has to wonder why the tradition is being revived now, eight years after OWLS, the longest lasting literary society, was originally shut down.

The OWLS' intentions, stated in its new constitution, are:

* To further cultural and social interests on the Rice campus;

* To promote friendship, understanding and fellowship among members;

* To provide members with a forum for discussion of issues of interest.

There is nothing wrong with these intentions, but it is completely wrong to be elitist, as the organizations were in the past. Membership was limited and new members -- called "pledges" -- could join only if they were invited.

The new OWLS' activities, according to a recent e-mail sent to potential members, may include community service, "etiquette dinners, teas, having a professional wardrobe consultant come in, having female role models come to speak, going camping, date night at Astroworld [and a] formal dance."

It is commendable to start a new organization, especially one that the entire student body can benefit from. And there is nothing wrong with baking cookies or having teas. Just ask Hillary Clinton. But it will be a sad day if Rice has a club open only to the "cute" and well-known (see Sallyport , March 1995).

The OWLS must be careful to maintain an open membership policy (as has been stipulated in its new constitution by not limiting membership numbers) and to stick closely to its stated purpose.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the April 26, 1996 issue.

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