At Emory we have a segregation problem, and it didn't take a Wheel columnist criticizing the Crossroads diversity retreat and the AHANA a cappella group last semester for us to realize it.

We're one of the most statistically diverse institutions in the country. What we're clearly lacking, however, is real diversity. And when I say real diversity, I'm talking about sitting around your dinner table in the Dobbs University Center and talking to people of different ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations. Here at Emory, the only differences at the dinner table are between brands of polo shirts.

Now don't get me wrong: This characterization doesn't apply to everyone. I'm not against sitting with people of similar thoughts, interests and activities. In fact, I encourage "The Black Hole" - the lower tier of the DUC cafeteria, where many black students congregate to eat - and other forms of cultural solidarity. The danger comes when that's the only place you sit. If you're only around people who act, talk and think like you, how will you grow as a person?

So what can we do as a university? In a recent question and answer session with University President James W. Wagner I attended, it was made painfully clear to me that Emory's administration has neither a clear plan of action to address the issue of self-segregation nor is it anywhere close to the top of its list of problems to solve. Likewise, programs such as the Transforming Community Project, which examines the history of race at Emory, inspire a worthwhile debate about race on campus. But neither Wagner's comments nor TCP tangibly address this lack of diversity. And with the recent resignation of Assistant Dean for Campus Life Dixon Rorie, who helped shape the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services, the fight against heterogeneity at Emory has been dealt another blow.

If the University refuses to address Emory's lack of diversity institutionally, then it's up to students to act. And beyond multicultural programming and town hall discussions - which we will see more in the near future from organizations like the Black Student Alliance - I believe the best way to meet people different from yourself is in a social setting. And what better venue than a dance party?

With that being said, let me officially invite everyone who's reading this to 13 Fraternity Row on Friday night to party with the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the nation's first African-American intercollegiate fraternity and sorority, respectively.

Now, before you hit me with your excuses - "But I'll be the only white guy/girl there!" - realize that I understand what it is like to be "the other." All my life, I've attended predominantly white institutions and have often been the only black person in the room. Trust me, I know what it is like to walk into a frat house and feel like a fish out of water. So I have two simple pieces of advice for you: Come with a group of friends and just relax. Remember, we're all Emory students, and that in itself gives us a lot in common.

So I've done my part. Not only do I go to parties where most people look nothing like me, but I'm also extending an open invitation to my fraternity's own party. It's time for Emory students to get out of their comfort zone by enjoying good music with even better people, starting at around 10 p.m. on Friday.

Jay Jones is a College junior from Los Angeles. He is the treasurer of the Black Student Association and the publicity chair for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.