SigEp Makes History By Opening Membership To Transgenders
10 years ago

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Transgender acceptance and inclusivity, probably the predominant hot-button topic of 2015, has officially made its way into one of the most tradition-centric and exclusive networks of men in our country. American fraternities, widely perceived as an outdated good ol’ boy club stuck in its ways, made history recently.

By a unanimous vote of those in attendance, the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Board of Directors have officially opened up membership to people who identify as transgender.

Student Director Sawyer J. Hicks explains that the fraternity is built “on the brotherhood and fellowship of men,” and this should no longer exclude those who self-identify as men, regardless of the gender they were given at birth.

From SigEp.org:

Grand Secretary Richard W. Bennet III emphasized the need for chapters to be leaders and to take a individual stance on the issue. He encouraged the Headquarters staff to play a supporting role by helping chapters understand the issues and create a welcoming environment.

Grand President Cox asked for a motion to approve the policy recommended by Counsel.

Student Director Sawyer J. Hicks moved to approve the adoption of the following policy regarding transgender inclusivity:

“Sigma Phi Epsilon is a national Fraternity built on the brotherhood and fellowship of men. Any individual who identifies as a man is welcome to seek membership in the Fraternity. This policy is intended to uphold the mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon as a fellowship of men and should not be interpreted as changing the all-male character of the Fraternity or as a waiver of the Fraternity’s exempt status under Title IX.”

Seconded by Director Garry C. Kief.

Grand President Cox asked for discussion and Director Kief asked for a full definition of the terminology to be used.

The motion passed by an 8-0 majority vote with three abstentions.

The term transgender describes a person “whose self-identity does not conform unambiguously to conventional notions of male or female gender.”

It will be interesting to see which organizations follow suit.

[via SigEp.org]

  4. LibertarianFrater

    The elephant walk will leave his pledge brothers without something to hold.

    10 years ago at 11:13 pm
  5. Big_Papi

    As a Sig Ep at a great school I am embarrassed that our status has fallen to that of a “fraternity” that promotes the mental sickness that is transsexualism. I really don’t care about anyone’s orientation but is ridiculous that we now have to acknowledge these individuals as completely normal members of our society. I know my chapter wont change and I believe this to be a purely public image related move after the tragic incidents at Baylor and Clemson but I hate this move with every fiber of my being.

    10 years ago at 11:41 pm
    1. John_F_Frat

      Well, if it is a mental disorder and you don’t want to admit them (understandably so, i dont really understand the whole thing myself). Does that mean you dont want to bid ANYONE, with a mental disorder? (ex. PTSD, Schizophrenia, Clinical Depression, dyslexia, etc..)

      10 years ago at 7:23 am
  7. Being True

    Just going to say it, I don’t care if they guy is gay, trans, or a cargo shorts wearer. If he is a good bro, he is a good bro. It just gives me another thing to rip on him for.

    10 years ago at 11:54 pm
  9. StevenFrolonzoJackson

    My take on this is, if they are working to become a man, why not let them join. I believe in the right Of privacy and not butting into others shit. As long as they are working to become men through surgery and hormones I see no problem. Obviously if they were going to keep their female parts forever, no bid, but other then that, who cares. If they are good people and I can hang with them, they can be brothers to me.

    10 years ago at 12:14 am