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NPHC COP Statement on Auburn Incidents
JOINT STATEMENT
COUNCIL RESPONDS TO RECENT ACTS OF RACISM AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
The Council of Presidents (COP) of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations, which includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., commend all organizations that have taken action against recent acts of racism by two prominent fraternities at Auburn University.
As members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), an organization that consists of sixty-eight (68) fraternities in the United States and Canada, KAPPA and IOTA have called on that organization to take a stance against the alleged heinous acts of members of Auburn University's chapters of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Sigma Phi fraternities as well. "Heading an organization that is a long-standing member of NIC and as a strong supporter of our traditionally Black Greek-lettered organizations, I believe it is my duty to make sure that justice is served. Without the support of NIC and other such organizations, I'm afraid this may be seen as another "boys will be boys" act, when such activities in fact are major infractions of our civil rights," said Howard L. Tutman, Jr., International Grand Polemarch (CEO) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Council of Presidents.
The COP met on Saturday, December 1st to discuss the entire incident as well as other issues. As a group, they were disappointed that NIC didn't take a more proactive stance in stating their opposition to the acts committed by the students at Auburn. To that end, KAPPA has agreed to lead all members of Black Greek-lettered organizations who are in attendance at the Closed Banquet of the NIC conference in a "walk out" during the event.
News services have reported several similar incidents at other
universities as well; however, to date Auburn has taken the strongest actions against the perpetrators. The acts range from simulating lynchings, "black face" painting, and stereotypical gestures and behavior. The University's action to denounce the behavior of the chapters and those members involved, and the actions of both national organizations of the fraternities to suspend both of the chapters and those individuals involved, is a good beginning. Added Tutman, "The Council of Presidents unanimously agrees that such behavior is offensive and detrimental to all African-Americans, and that it is the duty of the COP to be proactive in the fight to combat any matters of racism by rallying its members to act accordingly."
The Council of Presidents is comprised of the titular heads of the
nine (9) traditionally Black Greek-Lettered Organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). They collectively represent 1.4 million college-trained individuals throughout the United States and abroad. Individually they are: Dr. Norma S. White, Supreme Basileus-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Harry E. Johnson, Esquire, General President-Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Gwendolyn E. Boyd, National President-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Barbara West Carpenter, National President-Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Steven T. Birdine, Grand Polaris-Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.; Howard L. Tutman, Jr., International Grand Polemarch-Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Helen J. Owens, International Grand Basileus-Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; Arthur R. Thomas, Esquire, National President-Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Lloyd J. Jordan, Esquire, Grand Basileus-Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Sorors, as an affliliate organization of the AFA, Sigma was well represented and supported our brothers in the walk-out.
Last edited by TRSimon; 12-05-2001 at 11:35 PM.
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