Harvard University is a prestigious private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While Harvard does not officially recognize sororities or fraternities, there are a number of Greek organizations on campus that operate independently of the university. In this answer, we will provide an overview of the sororities at Harvard.
There are four sororities at Harvard: Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS). Each sorority has its own unique traditions, philanthropic activities, and social events.
Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma was founded in 1873 and has more than 150 chapters across the United States and Canada. The Harvard chapter was established in 1995 and is known for its focus on leadership and service. Delta Gamma supports a number of philanthropic causes, including Service for Sight and the Delta Gamma Foundation.
Kappa Alpha Theta: Kappa Alpha Theta was founded in 1870 and has more than 150 chapters across the United States and Canada. The Harvard chapter was established in 1990 and is known for its focus on scholarship and personal development. Kappa Alpha Theta supports a number of philanthropic causes, including the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Kappa Kappa Gamma: Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded in 1870 and has more than 150 chapters across the United States and Canada. The Harvard chapter was established in 1983 and is known for its focus on scholarship and service. Kappa Kappa Gamma supports a number of philanthropic causes, including Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
Radcliffe Union of Students: Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) was founded in 1960 and is a student-run organization that provides social, cultural, and educational activities for women at Harvard. While RUS is not officially recognized as a sorority, it provides many of the same benefits and opportunities as traditional sororities.
It is important to note that Greek life at Harvard is relatively small compared to other universities, and many students choose not to participate in Greek organizations. Additionally, there has been some controversy surrounding Greek life at Harvard, particularly around issues of inclusivity and diversity. In 2018, Harvard introduced a new policy that prohibits members of unrecognized single-gender social organizations, including sororities and fraternities, from holding leadership positions in recognized student organizations or athletic teams.
In conclusion, while there are several sororities at Harvard, they are not officially recognized by the university and operate independently. Each sorority has its own unique traditions, philanthropic activities, and social events. However, Greek life at Harvard is relatively small compared to other universities, and many students choose not to participate. Additionally, there has been some controversy surrounding Greek life at Harvard, particularly around issues of inclusivity and diversity.
