Ohio IFC Admits Gay Fraternity

[DeltAlum]

From the Ohio University Post...

"OU first to admit progressive fraternity into IFC"

"Ohio University this year became the first university in the nation to admit a Delta Lamda Phi chapter, a national gay, bisexual and progressive men's social fraternity, into its Interfraternity Council.

The fraternity started at OU in 1996 and has been working to become part of IFC for a couple years, OU Delta Lambda Phi President John Hall said.

IFC members saw no problem with admitting Delta Lambda Phi.

'We didn't really see any negative aspect by letting (Delta Lambda Phi) in,' Lambda Chi Alpha President Mike Miller said. 'By adding another chapter, we're making the Greek community stronger.'

The council showed it was open-minded when admitting Delta Lambda Phi, Hall said. OU chapter's admitance could start a trend for universities across the country.

Hall said he commended the support Delta Lambda Phi received from the students and members of the Athens community."

To correct a typo:

[This message has been edited by DeltAlum (edited June 02, 2001).]

[IowaHawkeye]

I think that's awesome. Way to go OU! I applaud you

[33girl]

I believe straight men are allowed to join, but obviously they have to be sympathetic to the group's basic premise.

I thought they had gotten on the IFC at Penn State - maybe I'm just thinking of hearing about them being on campus period.

[DeltAlum]

33,

I suspect you're right on your first comment because the article refers to "gay, bisexual and progressive men's social fraternity."

As to the second, I really don't know but would guess that The Post got their information from the fraternity itself -- which certainly should know.

Since Ohio is my Alma Mater, along with my wife and our oldest daughter, I read The Post online fairly often and they have been following this story for at least a couple of months. The quote above was part of their "Top Ten Campus Stories of the Year."

I know that doesn't really answer either of the questions, but it's the only background I have.

DeltAlum

[gammazetagrl]

I think that's really great...goes to show that Greeks are open minded contrary to popular belief and stereotype. I'm sure these guys (what would their nick be?) will make a great contribution to their campus and community. Greeks all around really have to unite no matter what race, creed, sexual orientation or religious beliefs because when you think about it we all uphold the same ideals of sister/brotherhood,scholarship, community service and bringing out the best persons we can be.

[shadokat]

Don't you think it's sort of a shame that a campus needs a "gay" fraternity? I would hope that fraternities could accept men as they are. I know at University of Pennsylvania, there are openly gay men in already formed national fraternities.

[Katey Alpha Gam]

I am actually very good friends with all the members of the DLPhi chapter here at Eastern Mich. The fraternity is for gay, straight, bisexual and progressive men. Which means it's for anyone who is open to the idea of a fraternity created in the idea that all people, gay and straight deserve brotherhood. So everyone can join as long as you are cool with all of that. I am so happy that OU decided to do that and I think it's a real leap for sexual orentation equality. Good job DL Phi!!!

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Katey, ZA chapter of AGD
"Could I have been anyone other than me?"-Dave Matthews

[MaMaBuddha]

a big step of mankind....

[Demon Knight]

I'm with you shadokat, I believe fraternities should accept men for who they are...Men


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The Power of one
The Force of Many
HOO RAH!!

[shadokat]

Thanks Demon I just think that if we continue to segregate ourselves into little groups, how can we add diversity to our own chapters? It's unfortunate that a group of people feel that they can't be involved in the fraternities that already exist on campus and have to start this special group. But that's only my humble opinion

Originally posted by Demon Knight:
I'm with you shadokat, I believe fraternities should accept men for who they are...Men

[LexiKD]

I'm not about to get into a heated debate about this BUT:

One hand, I think it shows that the system is growing, but how will they get imbraced by the other organizations? It is one thing to vote for something and another to like it.

Second hand, The gay guys I know would have a flaming organization, not so much a Will & Grace thing going. It may cause more negative attention then needed...p.s. I am from the south and every gay man I know is wide open, I love them, but does the system?

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Lexi