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okay, let me take a shot at this.
Wow! This is interesting. I still believe that our founders intended for the fraternity to be a fraternity of men (male) only! I am a founder of two organizations, and if the original intentions of those organizations was shifted, I'm sure I would be highly upset. However, I do understand both sides, as I pledged a co-ed chapter. It is disheartening to see chapters go inactive. I've heard way too many stories of how difficult it is to recruit male men to join the fraternity. Lets be real here, guys generally pledge a fraternity to be associated with a brotherhood of male men, not both male and female. I'm not sure at this point of what the solution should be to be honest. I use the term "male men" because I don't want it to be misinterpreted as in saying "all men are created equal," which many male/female brothers often refer to when referencing FRH's statement on a Standard of Manhood. Hell, you could simply refer to the original purpose to understand that he was NOT speaking in regards to females...it was very clear that he meant male men.
I personally don't have any issues with female APO's. My son's god mother is an APO, my BEST female friends are APO's, and again I pledged with females. However, what I do have a issue with is female APO's who make every attempt to carry themselves as male fraternity men, and those who shun brothers for respecting and carrying on all-male traditions. Some things are very sacred to a lot of male members in this fraternity. One cannot expect them to just forget about it and roll with the punches. Thats not gonna happen under any shape form or fashion.
I also do not like the mentality of some male/female brothers that have been displayed over the years, which pretty much says "if you don't like it, leave." Thats very unfair, and who the hell are you to tell a person that they must convert to your interpretation of the fraternity? I assume that this has been a battle that has been taking place since 1976. A battle that has gotten us all (as whole) no where. We should just respect each others opinions and keep it moving. I doubt that either side would ever see eye to eye on this.
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