Quote:
Originally posted by Lady Pi Phi
Oh I know. It's a load os BS, but that's the excuse they have given us. I have no idea what the real motives behind it is.
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Well that's the offical reason from U of T...... it all stems from a "incident" back in 59' or 60'. Back then a black student pledged a sorority (I won't mention which one), but when it came time for her initation the sorority's HQ refused to grant permission and threaten to pull their charter if they went through with it. So the sorority "de-pledged" the girl....... but this particular girl happened to be in SAC (the student council) as an executive. SAC and the Law Society filled a grievance based on this case of discrimination. The resulting investigation opened a whole can of worms over the next couple of years.... with allegations of racial, religious, or class dicrimination being common. As a result of this and the understandable backlash from the student body the Governing Council of U of T (including many greek alumni) took the stance that they would not support any group that would discriminate based on sex, race, ethnicity, or religion (also they wanted the land to build Robart's Library).
So in theory all of the currently recognized groups cannot discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, religion, class, ethnicity, or age. For example:
"Sororities at U of T" promotes the existence of Women's Fraternities in the University of Toronto area. Our aim is to encourage an interest in Women's Fraternities and to show all that they can offer.
I can join "Sororities at U of T" even though I am male. That was one of the conditions when Jen filed for recognition a couple of years ago.
Here are some "official" statements from UofT:
"Fraternities and Sororities
Although a number of students become involved in the fraternities and sororities located in the vicinity of the campus, you should note that these organizations are not, in any way, associated with U of T and are not recognized by the University. You should also be aware that problems and difficulties arising out of fraternity and sorority activities can not be resolved through University services and resources."
-and-
"Discrimination
There are several policy documents that confirm the University’s commitment to acting against discrimination. The Statement on Human Rights clearly states that the University “acts within its purview to prevent or remedy discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, marital status, family status, receipt of public assistance or record of offence.”
Though you are, for the most part, free to express your opinions, no matter how controversial, there is a point at which the right to free speech is limited. You are not entitled to target individuals with vexatious comments based on human rights grounds. To do so, when your conduct is known to be unwelcome, is defined as “discriminatory harassment” and is an offence under the University’s Code of Student Conduct."
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