Very good letter, very well put.

If the young man in question has died, obviously he cannot take whatever vows would be required of a brother - but if it is plain that he intended to do so, and that he worked toward earning the rights and privileges due to a brother, he should be accorded that status.

Does he have a relative who is a member of Kappa Sigma? Or a close friend? Perhaps he could represent him. If nothing else, I agree with greeklawgirl that your fraternity's memorial service would be appropriate.

Please keep us posted.

another thought. My fraternity explains that for certain extreme circumstances, variences are allowed for initiation purposes. Example, if you are initiating a blind member, have someone discretely explain the actions taking place they cant see. A NM who has to leave for millitary service immediately, and a ritual cannot be scheduled in a timely manner can be initiated by having the ritual read to them. Harry truman was a sititng president, and one of his cabinet members was a Lambda Chi. They were on a train traveling somewhere and truman inquired about wanting to be initiated. His cabinet member telegraphed ahead and had a chapter meet the train at a station, they boarded, and President Truman saw ritual performed on the train, and became a brother. exceptions can and are made. You just have to convince the powers that be that it wont destroy your order if this happens. Also, try to enlist the help of powerful and prominent alumni of your org to help you out withthe cause. Most often they are sympathetic to the cause..

last ditch effort.... our chapters are fined $200 per case for unauthorized initiations. If it was impoortant enough to us, we'd just do it and pay the damned fee. You think theyd close you for it? they wouldnt want the bad PR amongst your alums.

James,
I think you are completely right! As a founder of my chapter, if anything had happend to any of the founding sisters, I would expect them to be initiated along with the rest of us. Things can be worked out, and I'm sure your National will understand, and work with the chapter to go through with the initiation. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Fraternally,
Beth

Great letter, James. I hope that they initiate him. It's such a sad story. Good luck!

Great letter, and I hope it all works out for you. Just remember to ask the young man's parents if they approve is all :)

Any updates? I didn't want to post in your forum.