Sorority sisters allegedly sent list of beauty demands
“If you are not wearing the required make-up, I will stop you and apply it myself. “
This is the warning of one American university student to her sorority sisters ahead of the clubs ‘recruitment week’, a leaked email alleges.
In an email reportedly sent to members of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at the University of Southern California in 2013, the anonymous student also advises that women avoid “bushy” eyebrows and consider investing in slimming under wear.
“I cannot stress how important Spanx are to make you look your best. Even if you are very thin,” the email said.
The extensive list of beauty mandates was first published online by feminist blog Jezebel.
Editors at Jezebel received the email from an unnamed tipster believed to be a former student or sorority member.
As well as a long and detailed list of style guidelines, the email is peppered with instructional images.
A before and after picture shows the slimming effects of Spanx, while and a photograph of actress Drew Barrymore with wavy, ombre hair is captioned “NOPE”.
The email cautions against both elements of this hairstyle with the instruction: “no crazy ombre, no color (sic) you wouldn't see in nature”, adding “no waves”.
The anonymous author also urges sorority members to diet and exercise before meeting “potential new members”, raising concerns about size discrimination within the club.
Online comments discussing the controversial email have reignited debate about the so-called ‘Greek’ system in US universities.
The Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at the University of Virginia recently made headlines after Rolling Stone Magazine alleged a gang rape had taken place on club property.
The fraternity has since been cleared by police.
