Quote:
Originally Posted by naraht
I think that Alpha Xi Delta's work with Autism *can* change, but right now I definitely understand why it could be viewed as problematic. But I'd be *very* surprised if that was the entire reason for disaffiliating.
|
Well, admittedly we got off topic a little bit by talking about the sorority's support of the Autsim Speaks organization. The chapter's public statement (see the screen shots in the first post) indicates that their issue is with AXiD allegedly not being inclusive enough or doing enough to improve issues surrounding "...racism, sexual violence, classism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism." They also stated that they believe this is a wider Greek life problem and called on other GLO chapters to take the same action to close their chapters at AU.
For what it's worth, I liked it when AXiD's philanthropy was "Choose Children". I believe that was a broad category and not a specific organization, right? That format seemed to allow chapters to support children's charities in their local areas without being tied to a specific charity. In this way, the women could meet the direct needs of whatever local charity truly needed the help (say a local children's shelter, or a local children's cancer clinic, etc).
Then AXiD switched to a focus on Autism Speaks. Back then, autism was coming to the forefront of discussions nationally and I think AXiD saw an opportunity to focus philanthropic efforts on an area that needed support. At the time, don't recall there being any controversy surrounding Autism Speaks. It was a very well-regarded organization. Over the years, it appears that the focus of AS shifted, or definitions/viewpoints on the nature of autism shifted, and people began to take sides. Autism Speaks stayed on one side of the issue and a controversy developed with people on the other side of the aisle.
All that to say that I don't think AXiD intended to pick a controversial philanthropy. I believe autism was initially chosen as a philanthropic focus in good faith. Now, whether or not AXiD should disaffiliate from Autism Speaks, much like when ZTA stepped away from Susan G. Komen, is up to AXiD and her members. If they go back to "Choose Children", then members are still free to support autism (or after school programs, or anti-bullying, etc) without being tied to one controversial organization.
At any rate, it sounds like the AU chapter was probably trying to push, or speak on, social justice topics without the consent of the national headquarters. I commend those young women for being passionate about their beliefs and their courage to resign their memberships in the face of policies they say they disagree with. I do not, however, agree with their demand that the national organization and other interested students shall not be allowed the right to free association.
Threaded Mode
