Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What exactly is LUL?
A: La Unidad
Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated was established
on February 19, 1982 in order to address the shortcomings of
academic institutions in meeting and addressing the needs of
Latino and underrepresented students in higher education.
Q:
What is LUL's purpose?
A: We seek to take a leadership role in meeting the needs of
the Latino and underrepresented students in the community through
cultural awareness, community service, and promotion of the
Latino culture and people. We want to be able to bridge the
gap between the “mainstream” aspects of college life and an
individuals’ cultural pride, which can often be distorted.
Q:
Is LUL a local organization?
A: We pride ourselves in being a national organization with
chapters inclusive of 70 (and rising) of the most challenging
universities in the country! Our network is at a National level
and Hermanos are in contact with each other at all times. You
are highly encouraged to explore our website (http://www.launidadlatina.org).
Q:
What are the benefits of joining?
A: As individuals, our responsibility is to make the most out
of life. A similar philosophy applies to any organization you
decide to join. The best way to see the “benefits” of being
an Hermano is by road tripping and getting involved with our
community outreach program. By traveling to other chapters with
Hermanos, and glancing at the many functions that LUL has, you
can witness the longstanding relationship, trust, and sense
of family that every chapter has fostered with their surrounding
community; plus this is also a perfect way to meet many other
Hermanos and broaden your perception. We ask that people do
not necessarily judge us solely by our rhetoric, but that they
judge our organization based on the actions, initiatives, and
leadership of our chapters and our individual Hermanos. We do
not wish to brain wash you. If you cannot see the benefits of
this organization, then we are not for you and you are not for
us. Reach your own conclusions because “Most people would sooner
die than think; in fact, they do so”. (Bertrand Russell)
Q:
So, you just accept Latinos?
A: No! We are looking for individuals with vision, determination,
pride, and a commitment to accomplish the goals this organization
has set for itself. Hermanos come from all backgrounds. La Unidad
Latina was spearheaded by its commitment to the Latino community,
but we find and seek further solidarity with other ethnic groups,
both inside and outside of our membership. True justice can
only be achieved when we advocate for everyone and when we include
all those who share our vision and provide those individuals
with the opportunity of our unique national organization’s resources,
both human and capital, for the advancement of our principles.
Q:
What do you do for hazing?
A: On top of the college’s hazing guidelines, LUL has a very
strict policy against hazing; we do not condone it. Our intake
process forbids hazing and we do not want anyone to pledge join
La Fraternidad who would tolerate such a process. A smooth sea
never made a skillful sailor and that’s why our intake process
is challenging, but every thing is done for a purpose and we
treat our pledges respectfully as “Caballeros”. The behavior
of anyone that decides to join us, should have a point and should
not mimic the idiocy of stereotypical fraternities. Our organization
has a strict anti-hazing policy and our National Council is
in constant communications with all of its chapters to ensure
the spirit of brotherhood is not tainted.
Q:
How long is the intake process?
A: Our intake process is coordinated with all of our national
chapters and it can last as long as the Caballeros take to finish
specific projects. You should perceive this process as a learning
experience because Hermanos are made. A person becomes an Hermano
the same way people study to be mathematicians, scientists,
doctors, engineers, etc....
Q:
What are the projects?
A: The goals of our projects are to develop the character and
ethnic identity of our “Caballeros” to make them stronger leaders
and to provide them with the tools and networks to be positive
members of society and good citizens.
Q:
Why should I join LUL instead of other fraternities?
A: LUL is an organization that professionally promotes the goals
and standards that it has set for itself. One Hermano put it
in this perspective: “I had many opportunities to join several
of the mainstream fraternities on campus but I was discouraged
by several facts: 1) their phoniness, ignorance and disrespect
for other cultures, 2) their so called “brotherhood” is based
on the consumption of alcohol and the disrespect of women, 3)
I did not feel like paying $400 of dues every term for beer,
4) yeah sure, they could provide a network, but how good is
that for a minority student? I mean seriously, who would have
actually gone out on a limb for me? Would they look at me as
a “brother” or as a minority student that was added to the house
to counter accusations of racism and discrimination? The answers
to these questions did it for me”. We challenge individuals
to think before making a decision. This is very important because
Hermanos cannot convince individuals to join, the person needs
to convince and reassure himself.
Q:
Who makes the best LUL candidate?
A: An individual with character. Uniqueness is appreciated and welcomed because
everybody benefits from it; you can learn from others as well as Hermanos can
learn from you. Hermanos are focused individuals, committed to the goals of
LUL, they are leaders in the community, they respect and embrace different cultures,
they are open-minded and are diligent workers and scholars, and they have a
solid moral foundation. Have purposes while little minds have wishes, and b)
character consists of what you do on the 3rd and 4th tries.