Sexual orientation and MS

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

I have no idea if our nationals have talked about this or not, but I'm pretty sure we would continue a tradition of not listening to them.

Why should it matter? Doesn't the chapter decide on chapter membership?

Generally speaking, each chapter has a mandate from their IHQ to select membership as best fits the specific chapter. As such, just because a GLO might have non-discrimination clauses in their bylaws, does not mean that a specific chapter would be required to take someone that the chapter feels would not be a good fit.

[Kevin]

I'm not sure whether or not it'd matter. Whether or not it matters is up to the active brothers. It's possible that it could be one of the criterion examined in membership selection. Whether or not anyone could prove that, as said above is an interesting question. Although we voted to integrate racially back around '68 or so, we probably have a few chapters which have never admitted a non-white member.

[exlurker]

Policies of a couple of GLOs:

Sigma Phi Epsilon:
http://www.sigep.org/
(use their site's search tools to find By-Laws, I, 1a.)

Delta Delta Delta:
http://www.deltadeltadelta.org/about/policies.asp

Delta Upsilon: See By-Laws, Article II, Sec. 2:
http://deltau.org/default.aspx?actio...t&ContentId=90

Beta Theta Pi:
http://www.betathetapi.org/index.php...d=23&Itemid=47

(click on Code link, go to Constitution, Article II, Section 3)


Pi Kappa Phi:

http://www.pikapp.org/AboutUs/seven/diversity.cfm

“WHERE PI KAPPA PHI STANDS ON RACIAL, RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY

The United States of America is fortunate to have one of the most diverse populations in the world. Here, people of all races, religions ethnicities, disabilities, sexual orientations, HIV status, and any further protected statuses contribute to the collective achievements of our nation and our colleges.

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity chapters are encouraged to seek out new brothers of all backgrounds. While our fraternal origins are based on Judeo-Christian traditions, the fraternity asks that all members and non-members (regardless of belief) join in respect for the beliefs of all. This Fraternity shall only discriminate on the basis of gender.”

[BigRedBeta]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I'm not sure whether or not it'd matter. Whether or not it matters is up to the active brothers. It's possible that it could be one of the criterion examined in membership selection. Whether or not anyone could prove that, as said above is an interesting question. Although we voted to integrate racially back around '68 or so, we probably have a few chapters which have never admitted a non-white member.

I would imagine that was flamboyantly gay would likely not "fit" in with most fraternity chapters. I think that the type of situation that having a sexual orientation clause is trying to prevent is when a potential member comes through rush, everyone thinks he's cool, the chapter is set to offer a bid, and then it somehow becomes known that he is openly homosexual. If the chapter then changes their minds simply on the fact that the kid in question is no longer welcome, that's not right in my opinion.

That's what these clauses are really getting at is not that chapters have to extend bids to individuals in these categories, just that they won't reject qualified candidates (who otherwise fit everything the chapter is trying to do) simply because they are of a different race, orientation or whatever.

One of my pledge brothers (who served terms as Pledge Ed and President) came out last fall (after we had all graduated), and nothing really changed - he was still the same guy we'd all known. In fact, I think he might actually be more fun to hang around with simply b/c he is much more at ease, and I think happier with himself. It would have been a mistake for my chapter not to give him a bid simply b/c of his sexual preference.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by BigRedBeta

I would imagine that was flamboyantly gay would likely not "fit" in with most fraternity chapters.

Dude, just imagine how many hot female friends he would have. You may rethink what you are saying.

[Sistermadly]

Originally Posted by TSteven

Generally speaking, each chapter has a mandate from their IHQ to select membership as best fits the specific chapter. As such, just because a GLO might have non-discrimination clauses in their bylaws, does not mean that a specific chapter would be required to take someone that the chapter feels would not be a good fit.

This is the most honest post in this thread. We can talk all we want about our (inter)National offices and their policies against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, but it always comes down to the campus culture.

I understand it makes (some of) us feel all warm and fuzzy to point at progressive national policies, but come on...

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by nate2512

I'm sorry not all of us are as desperate as you to pick up women that you would need a homosexual to bring hot girls around.....if your school has any greek system whatsoever then your sororities will have good looking girls for you to associate with..even with non discrimination disclaimer a chapter is gonna take the shape of its active members

And I'm sorry that you are too much of a n00b to figure out that I am a woman.

Welcome to GC, you'll do much better here if you develop a sense of humor.

[nate2512]

I realized this far too late, apologies, and I do have a very good sense of humor, I don't see how one would make it through a fraternity/sorority without one.