Delta Zeta's Tall, Skinny, and Blonde

Is it a case where members were asked to leave because of their "lack of support" for the chapter and sorority, or because they did not fit the profile of the "supermodel?"

As Greeks, we pledge a fraternity or sorority for a house full of friends and a lifetime of brotherhood or sisterhood. It would seem that the exception was made at Delta Zeta's DePauw University chapter in Indiana.

Supposedly, after a decline in membership in the chapter, the national office interviewed the sisters and kicked out 23 out of 35 members who they said were "not committed" to the sorority. The former members allege that the women expelled included overweight, black and Asian members, but that the sorority kept sisters who were popular with fraternities.

On the "Good Morning America" show (Download Video), two former members accused the national organisation of promoting the fact that sorority girls have to be blonde, thin, and popular with the men. They were not given any reason for their dismissal from the chapter.

During a recruitment tour, Delta Zeta's national office brought women from other universities to meet and greet freshmen. According to Megan Sikes, who was asked to leave, they were all "basically tall, skinny and blonde."

Delta Zeta National stated that looks had nothing to do with its decision. They based their decision solely on whether an active member will remain committed to recruit for the chapter.

Its official statement:

"Delta Zeta finds it offensive that recent reports have suggested that decisions at DePauw University were related in any way to our members' races and nationalities."

The decision by the sorority's national organization touched off an outpouring of protest on campus, including a faculty petition and a letter of reprimand last week from President Robert G. Bottoms.

In the letter, Bottoms criticized the national organization for reportedly misleading members and disrupting their lives just before final exams.

Campus administrators will take steps to make sure fraternities and sororities can't restructure in the middle of an academic year, Bottoms said, if the process breaks student housing contracts.

Former member Lynsay Moy:

"We were never given any reason. No one was ever given any explanation, even though several times we asked for one ... You know, you pledge an organization and you fall in love with the girls that you're with and you become devoted to a sorority and then you're told you're not good enough."

Former member Joanna Kieschnick who was invited to stay but chose to leave:

"These are my sisters, these are my friends. I love these women and I've seen them pour their heart and souls into the chapter and just to see this done to them [with] no reason given, it was just a form letter ... I don't want to be a puppet for the national organization. I want to be me."

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ABC News - Sorority Scandal: Were Girls Asked to Leave Because of Weight and Race?

WishTV-Ch 8 - Some Members Asked to Leave Sorority at DePauw

Journal & Courier - DePauw will tighten its leash on Greek system

WTHR-Ch 13 - DePauw students angry over sorority ousting

DePauw University - Two DePauw Students -- Both Former Members of Delta Zeta -- Appear Live on Good Morning America