The Update | August 28, 2018

The Update

Published

August 28, 2018

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Published

August 28, 2018

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Lorie Land

News from the Industry

The Harvard chapter of Alpha Phi said last week it was disaffiliating from its national organization and forming a co-ed group called “The Ivy,” The Harvard Crimson reported. Regarding the dissolution of its Harvard chapter, Alpha Phi International wrote, “This decision was made in direct response to the sanctions placed by Harvard University administration on members of single-gender organizations.” Alpha Phi was Harvard’s fourth and final all-female Greek group. The Harvard student publication also stated that a Harvard spokesperson declined to comment on Alpha Phi’s decision.

In a second article in The Harvard Crimson, also pegged to the disaffiliation of Harvard’s chapter of Alpha Phi, Carole Jones, NPC Chairman, tells the paper: “All of those chapters are now closed as a direct result of a policy and an administration that used its power to intimidate women and discourage them from gathering with other women to share friendship and support. The shame of this policy is that what the university touted as providing a safer environment for women has ultimately caused the elimination of spaces where many women felt the most safe.”

A CNN article published Wednesday argued Greek life is more popular than ever, despite recent controversy and deaths. The article has comments from John Hechinger, author of True Gentlemen: The Broken Pledge of America's Fraternities. Hechinger states there are almost 400,000 men in fraternities, up 50 percent over the past decade. The article cited the death of Penn State University student Timothy Piazza and the fact that Greek members at the school report excessive drinking four times higher than the average student. The proposed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law seeks to add Pennsylvania to the list of states with tougher hazing penalties.

Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws Amendment

Due to the legalization of marijuana in Canada this October, Grand Council voted to amend Article IV, Section 9 of the Kappa Alpha Theta Bylaws which refers to drugs. These changes do not affect the practice of chapters located in the United States because of federal law. College chapters in Canada will receive custom support on how to enforce these new bylaws, particularly surrounding medical marijuana. For reference, the changes to Article IV, Section 9 are below.

ARTICLE IV, SECTION 9. DRUGS

The possession, consumption, purchase, sale or other distribution of any narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances by members of Kappa Alpha Theta in violation of any law, ordinance or university regulation shall be forbidden.

A. No funds of a college chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta shall be used to purchase any narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances.

B. No recreational narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances shall be stored, served or consumed on Kappa Alpha Theta property, either owned, rented or otherwise designated for regular use by members of the Fraternity. Possession and use of medically prescribed substances must be in conformity with applicable federal, state, province, and local laws as well as the rules and regulations of the college or university.

C. No recreational narcotics, drugs or other controlled substances shall be stored, served or consumed in conjunction with activities sponsored by Kappa Alpha Theta even if held at locations that are not owned, rented or otherwise designated for regular use by members of the Fraternity.

Please direct any bylaws-related questions to compliancechair@kappaalphatheta.org.

Workforce Update

Join Risk Prevention Committee Chairman Stephanie Sciarani and committee members in welcoming Rachelle Douglas Collins, Gamma Phi/Texas Tech, to the risk prevention committee.

Headquarters Holiday Closing

The Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation offices will be closed Monday, September 3, in recognition of the (U.S.) Labor Day holiday.

2017-2018 Theta Foundation Grant & Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 389 college and alumnae members who received more than $790,000 in Theta Foundation grant and scholarship funding during the 2018 fiscal year! Learn more about these women by reading the recipient announcement, and congratulate your sisters on their accomplishments.

High Five Friday Volunteers Needed

Have you worked with an exceptional fellow volunteer recently? Email her name and role to Laura Stelsel, assistant director of alumnae engagement, to nominate her for High Five Friday. And a very special thank you to you for all of the work you do on behalf of Kappa Alpha Theta.