Alpha Phi does not support Safe Campus Act

[Alpha O]

AOII's statement:

November 14, 2015

Dear Sisters,

Over the past several months, Alpha Omicron Pi has engaged in discussions with our members and National Panhellenic Conference partners surrounding proposed legislation relating to sexual assault and sexual violence on college campuses. It is our commitment to stand firmly against all forms of sexual assault and sexual violence, and support all efforts to eliminate these crimes from our campuses and Fraternity/Sorority communities. The well-being and safety of our members will always be our priority as we fully support survivors in their efforts to both heal and to seek justice.

AOII has listened to our members and partners, AOII leaders have met face to face with legislators in the House and Senate, and we have concluded that Alpha Omicron Pi will not support the Safe Campus Act. Full collaboration continues in Washington to find common ground solutions to make our campuses safer and we are encouraged by those efforts. In the coming months, we will work alongside our NPC and NIC interfraternal friends, campus partners and members of Congress in an effort to find agreement in order to move forward in support of legislation that includes:

· Ensuring and promoting a survivor-centered response: Devote appropriate resources for the care, support and guidance of students affected by sexual violence.

· Training and education programming: Mandatory educational programs that encourage bystander intervention and that raise awareness regarding sexual violence.

· Due process rights for student organizations: Rules to prevent institutions from punishing student organizations or their members in cases of sexual violence without conducting a disciplinary hearing.

· Preservation of fraternities and sororities as single-sex organizations: Protection of the single-sex exemption fraternities and sororities are provided under Title IX by preventing publicly funded colleges and universities from making fraternities and sororities co-ed.

There are many more conversations to be held in the days ahead. The Executive Board will continue to evaluate legislation and keep members informed on important developments. We appreciate the voices of those members who have reached out with questions and vow to continue listening to your concerns surrounding the important topic of sexual violence.

Fraternally,

The 2015-2017 AOII Executive Board

It can also be viewed on AOII's website.