Theta Nu Xi hosts fair

The Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. presented the Women’s Day Fair on March 15… The Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. presented the Women’s Day Fair on March 15 as part of Diversity Week at the University and also in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Tables lined the bottom floor of Posvar Hall with materials pertaining to women brought by both on-campus and off-campus organizations.

The women’s studies department, Sexual Assault Services, Campus Women’s Organization, Study Abroad Office, Magee-Womens Hospital and Planned Parenthood among others gave away contraceptives, stress balls, nail files and information on diverse issues.

The afternoon event began with pro-choice speaker Allison Haley, and then continued with pro-life speaker, Susan Rauscher.

Theta Nu Xi sister, Teresa Bernaciak explained that because the sorority was multicultural, it liked to present both sides on the abortion issue.

Pitt sophomore Vaishali Rao then performed her poem “Brown Skin.”

Graduate business student Dalia Mogahed spoke informally and answered questions about her experiences as a Muslim woman. Women and men of all ages and colors joined in the discussion about the Islam religion. Mogahed urged those who were interested in learning more about Islam to contact the Islamic Center.

“In order for us to unite as a community, we need to interact with people different from us,” Mogahed said.

The day concluded with a self-defense discussion presented by George Mowad, an instructor for USA Professional Karate Studio located on Murray Avenue.

“Please talk to any man in your life and tell them what I’ve told you,” Mowad urged the female audience.

“You should be able to do anything you want, wear provocative clothing and sit on that bar stool until 2 a.m.,” he said, but then advised the audience that these might not be the best of ideas, because women are being victimized. He discussed preventative measures on how not to become a victim.

Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. has been present on Pitt’s campus for the last year, with Natasha Khan, Bernaciak and Erika Strauss being the founding members of the organization. On Feb. 12, the group was granted student group recognition through the Student Organization Resource Center. They now have to submit a proposal to Dean of Students Jack Daniel to be granted a charter.

The Women’s Day Fair was one of many things the sorority has done to get recognition among students and gratify their tenants of “Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, Leadership, and Multiculturism.”

While working for a charter through the University, they have also volunteered for organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Beginning with Books and the local food bank. Theta Nu Xi is also sponsoring dialogues between Muslim and Jewish students on Wednesdays.

Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Inc. hopes for University recognition by the end of this year and increase its membership in fall and spring of next year. For more information on the multicultural sorority check out www.geocities.com/tnxpitt.