Should Greek Orgs Speak Up or Stay Silent?

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by Titchou

Ours was one of supporting all our members - those celebrating this decision and those hurting from it. I think that's the approprite response.

Agreed. This was the right message to send to our members.

[honeychile]

I saw this posted in another forum. I don't feel that I can rightfully quote it directly, but I'll try to paraphrase. Due to fraternal organizations each having a 501c7 social clubs designation, they stand to lose this status - and their non-profit status - should they wander into the political agenda arena.

Those GLOs who are keeping quiet may be doing so to protect their organizations' status.

[naraht]

Originally Posted by honeychile

I saw this posted in another forum. I don't feel that I can rightfully quote it directly, but I'll try to paraphrase. Due to fraternal organizations each having a 501c7 social clubs designation, they stand to lose this status - and their non-profit status - should they wander into the political agenda arena.

Those GLOs who are keeping quiet may be doing so to protect their organizations' status.

The fact that each of the three NPHC groups that I checked (AKA, DST, & APhiA) are all 501(c)7 seems to indicate that this has been worked around.

[Cookiez17]

honeychile, thank you!

[celebcj]

I’m of the belief we should follow our own unspoken recruitment rules of the 5Bs and not talk about politics as national organizations.

I’ll venture to take it a step further that political discussion should be made taboo again among acquaintances.

On the other hand, I think sororities would be remiss not to educate members on how to have civil and respectful discussion with each other. We’ve seemingly let the treasured values of tolerance and “agreeing to disagree” fall by the wayside.

[carnation]

^^^^ YES!

[*winter*]

Originally Posted by celebcj

I’m of the belief we should follow our own unspoken recruitment rules of the 5Bs and not talk about politics as national organizations.

I’ll venture to take it a step further that political discussion should be made taboo again among acquaintances.

On the other hand, I think sororities would be remiss not to educate members on how to have civil and respectful discussion with each other. We’ve seemingly let the treasured values of tolerance and “agreeing to disagree” fall by the wayside.

THIS!

I just think both sides want us to hate/demonize the other at this point, and it’s driving everyone apart. We are all more alike than we know.

[FSUZeta]

Joining a political group did not interest me, and not one of the 18 sororities made any political statements or in any other way indicated a collective viewpoint when I rushed. When I joined my sorority I joined for potential friendships, leadership opportunities, and potential connections later in life. I joined to make a large campus feel smaller.

Furthermore, where was the outcry when Lea Thomas was allowed to compete in the NCAA womens swim finals?

[carnation]

I feel exactly like FSUZeta on this.

I was intrigued to see that one of the angriest people about Lea Thomas competing was my lesbian former high school gym teacher and her wife.

[navane]

I will say this -- as a regional alumnae supervisor, I received an onslaught of angry phone calls, emails and texts after our statement was released. The members were downright incensed that the org made a statement. I, too, have a couple of members who are considering resignation over it.

As andthen pointed out, it's a no win situation. As *winter* said, "Reproductive rights is a VERY emotional issue for women. People on both sides of the issue often have strong feelings for personal reasons." This is one of the topics that is deeply personal and adherents on either side are highly unlikely to budge as both believe they are morally right. If your org wasn't expressly formed to be a political vehicle, then tread carefully. Picking a side will lose half of your audience and create a lot of damage, as I am now seeing myself.

[DaffyKD]

I can see where KD advocates for each sister to use their voice, but does not say how to use that voice. Southern chapters have different views than northern chapters. Christine Blasey Ford and Amy Coney Barrett are both KDs. To tell sisters which side of the line they need to stand is as restricting as if we had no voice. I know where I stand, I advocate for my view, I advocate on behalf of my daughter, nieces, and other women including the young ladies of the sorority to whom I am the House Director. I remind them all they have a voice, they have a vote--USE THEM! STAND BY THEM!

DaffyKD

[zetamae]

New here so my opinion may not matter but I actually am OK with the canned we respect sisters on both sides of the argument and we aren't in the business of politics responses. It is also very disappointing to see actives like the Chi O one who in response to their statement took to social media spilling all their secrets.

[carnation]

Oh no--people are spilling ritual online? This crazy Chi O did it about 20 years ago.

[zetamae]

Originally Posted by carnation

Oh no--people are spilling ritual online? This crazy Chi O did it about 20 years ago.

I am sorry are you saying that you spilled the tea on Chi O rituals?

[carnation]

No, I'm not a Chi O! This mom from Texas who thought her daughter's chapter had caused her to be date raped started a Chi O secrets website. She tried to sue Chi O as well but the court decided that she and her daughter had lied and made them apologize.