Who Has Removed Preferential Treatment for Legacies?

[aephi alum]

I just got an email from AEPhi's national office. We are NOT ending preferential treatment for legacies. The email does acknowledge that sometimes the number of legacies going through FR is greater than quota, and sometimes legacies will have to be released, but all legacies should be given "every consideration possible".

What triggered the email was a change whereby chapters no longer have to make a courtesy call to a legacy's AEPhi relative to inform her that the legacy was released.

Also, the AEPhi relative must submit a letter of recommendation for the PNM indicating that she's a legacy, to ensure that the chapter is aware of her legacy status. (I guess that if the relative has passed away, another AEPhi in good standing can write the rec.)

And great-granddaughters are now considered legacies. We're one of the younger NPCs, but I guess we've been around long enough that great-granddaughters of AEPhis are now college age.

[ZTAngel]

ZTA just announced that legacies will no longer be given preferential treatment.

[amIblue?]

I was recently asked to volunteer again, which I declined to do based on the change in our legacy policy. I also let them know that the reason why was declining to do so. I am all for increasing diversity, but I am very (extremely) unhappy that my daughter will no longer be given any special consideration as a legacy. Of course, she’s five years away from college.

I would be happy to mentor PNMs without connections through the recruitment process to help them get in the door. Maybe that’s a better way to diversify membership.

[carnation]

I am thrilled that you spoke up!

[FSUZeta]

Originally Posted by ZTAngel

ZTA just announced that legacies will no longer be given preferential treatment.

Meaning they will not automatically be moved on to the 2nd round. That is a shame for my 2x legacy granddaughters. I'd be upset, but I really don't think sororities as we know them will be around when they enter college (they are three and 1 now).

And good for you amIblue. I am so glad that you explained the reason for declining the invitation. And you are right, alums mentoring PNMs who might not be "in the know" would probably be much more productive than destroying each sorority's alum loyalties.

[ASTalumna06]

Alpha Sigma Tau announces updates reflecting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

https://alphasigmatau.org/news-event...update/#legacy

Of this 8-point change in policy, the following may be the most interesting or unexpected:

- Alpha Sigma Tau has eliminated the policy that required AΣΤ legacies to receive preferential consideration during recruitment. Additionally, Alpha Sigma Tau has expanded the definition of a legacy to be inclusive of all family structures.


- The fourth line of the Creed of Alpha Sigma Tau states, “[As a member of Alpha Sigma Tau]…I believe in the fulfillment of self and will strive to contribute my share to the progress of mankind.”

This line of the creed has been revised and now states, “…contribute my share to the progress of humankind."


- Alpha Sigma Tau collegiate chapters are now prohibited from recognizing chapter sweethearts.

While the sweetheart program was established with good intentions, Alpha Sigma Tau has advanced beyond traditional gender roles common in the early 19th century. Outdated traditions, such as the sweetheart program, detract from our focus as a Sisterhood and set back centuries of efforts and sacrifices to eliminate male supremacy and societal sexism.

Additionally, in recent years, sweethearts have been the epicenter of many negative chapter cultures and situations jeopardizing our members’ emotional and physical safety. Several chapter discipline issues over just the last three years involve policy violations and health and safety issues related to or involving chapter sweethearts.

There was no mention of a change in the rec policy.

There doesn't appear to be any pushback regarding these changes on social media thus far.