SigEp Makes History By Opening Membership To Transgenders
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 American fraternities, widely perceived as an outdated good ol’ boy club stuck in its ways, made history recently.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]
I’m perfectly comfortable giving bids to gay men, and my chapter has, multiple times. But I draw the line at women who think they’re men.
10 years ago at 11:57 amThey’re still not gonna get a bid
10 years ago at 12:03 pmWoweee! Now I can sleep at night!1!!111!!!
10 years ago at 3:00 pmI don’t want to be a part of my fraternity any more…
10 years ago at 3:43 pmYou have undoubtedly one of the most punchable profile pictures I’ve ever seen on this sight
10 years ago at 7:18 pmThat’s not the first time I heard that believe it or not
10 years ago at 5:14 amThis makes me want to take SigEp off my resume.
10 years ago at 5:11 pmWhen I heard the news I was really impressed to think that the Frat mentality and reputation might have evolved…but after reading most of the comments I see that evolution did not happen. Sad….. when what you thought were intelligent people showing the world that change can happen, actually show their own insecurities and lack of intelligence. I was going to re-post this but the comments are too embarrassing…..for you. Keep up or fall behind, your choice.
10 years ago at 7:54 pmYeah I once was Greek now I’m a GDI. I looked around and saw how accepting of homosexuals my fraternity on a national and local level is. So I quit, cold turkey.. Now most of the guys that I once called my brothers think I’m a fuck for quitting. But hey, the president himself told me that they’re going to have the shittiest pledge class ever next semester and they might loose their charter due to low membership. Point is that homosexuals are bad for fraternities. Bottom tier fraternities desperate for membership and chapters will allow them in. In effect, they will lose support from their alumni and their infrastructure will either fall or be inherited by liberals who won’t be able to run it effectively.
10 years ago at 11:52 pmDr Seuss is frowning on this one.
10 years ago at 11:54 pmNew song for us to sing on the bus (since we can’t do the racist chant anymore.) There’ll never be a transgender in SAE, There’ll never be a transgender in SAE, if they were born without a weewee, then they’ll never sign with me, There’ll never be a transgender in SAE.
10 years ago at 12:11 amWhy are we encouraging these poor souls? The sad truth is that these people who want to be a different gender shouldn’t be encouraged to live a lie. They should be treated and helped but not encouraged to continue their insane ways. I honestly think people like this are messed up in the head
10 years ago at 8:12 am