A Hypothetical Question About Legacies, sort of
 

This is a hypothetical situation concerning legacies, but the situation is based on some facts and some of the details have been changed. This is a bit complicated, so bear with me

In college, Joe became a member of Alpha Alpha fraternity. Many years later, while in high school, his son Jack, has relationship with Jane, resulting in the birth of Jerry. Even though Jane and Jack never marriefd Joe and Jack did for a time provide financial support to Jane and Jerry. Eventually, Jane and Jack went their separate ways and Jane met Jim. Jim and Jane married and Jim adopted Jerry. Jack hasnt kept in touch with Jane or Jerry, but Jane does keep in touch with Joe (sending pictures of Jerry, etc.)

More time passes and now Jerry is in his last year of high school and will be attending college next fall. Does Jerry have a claim as a legacy to Alpha Alpha through his biological, but not legal, grandfather

One other complication. Joe and Jack are Jewish and Alpha Alpha is a historically Jewish fratnerity. Once Jack was out of the picture, Jane and Jim, who are both Gentile, raised Jerry as a Christian.

Any input would be welcome

I don't recall that any papers validating a pedigree are required. We are not dogs.

When a legacy goes through recruitment, the letter of introduction is validated, but we don't ask for a proof of title. These days, with last names being divorces, hypenated, of the father's, of the mother's or a combo of the two...who would know?

As for the question on religion...unless you are in an ultra-conservative environment...I don't think it's an issue any more.

What she said.

Additionally, I've heard of several organizations take the 'step' label out of their legacy policies. In a society where many people are divorced/have remarried, it makes sense. Biological, adopted, or stepchild...it's really up to the member if he/she wants to introduce the child to the organization as his/her legacy.

To be more concrete - Joe, the biological grandfather, should write a letter of introduction if he is concerned about Jerry's legacy status. It is not as big a deal with most fraternities - it might be on a more competitive campus, but by and large it should not hinder grandson's chances even if he isn't technically a legacy. We really need the guys to weigh in here.

Jerry is a legacy to Alpha Alpha through his biological grandfather. While the fraternity was founded to uphold and promote Jewish ideals, members of all faiths may be bidded, provided they meet the requirements for membership.

As a legacy, Jerry will receive careful consideration, but he is not promised or guaranteed a bid to Alpha Alpha. The fact that he is Christian does not bar him from membership.

A big thank you to every one

I'm more confused about Jim adopting Jerry -- can a man adopt a child without the birth father's consent?

The biological father didnt play much of a role, other than financial, in the child's life and I do know that he consented to the adoption.

I'm not an attorney, but I have seen stories in the newspapers in which the courts will terminate all parental right in extreme cases.

I would bet that he could be a legacy of either his Bio Father/Grandfathers house or his Adoptive Father/Grandfathers house (should they be in one as well). It is a strange situation but it really isn't that big of a deal.

Yes, if a court of competent jurisdiction has terminated the birth father's parental rights. Such a termination cannot happen without either birth father's consent or a full hearing on the matter.

Can I quote you on that next time I hear someone say "Men are dogs"? :D